Beatlemania vs Harrymania: Discover how Beatlemania created a love language that has lasted for generations
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Ah, the 1960s – a time of change, freedom, and of course, the Beatles! It's no secret that the Beatles were more than just a band. Beatlemania spread rapidly across the globe, captivating the hearts of millions.
Nowadays, young fangirls (and boys) are often the subject of news scrutiny for their fanaticism over celebrities such as the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK and once boy band member Harry Styles. But how different are these teenage fans compared to the devoted Beatles fans of the 1960s?
Yes, members, we’re taking a look back in time, so if you thought the days of your Beatlemania were over, think again. Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we took a trip down memory lane to relive the extraordinary stories of the Beatles fandom and how it compares to 2023’s ‘Harrymania’.
Did you know that when the Beatles first played for Scottish concert promoter Andi Lothian in January 1963, a mere 15 people attended? Yet, by the time they graced the stage in Glasgow later that year, the Fab Four had achieved three No. 1 singles and a No. 1 album – and Beatlemania had well and truly begun.
Overwhelmed by fans and nervous police, bouncers struggled to maintain order at the event. As teenage girls fainted and screamed, the promoter coined the now-famous term: 'Don't worry, it's only… Beatlemania.'
‘The girls were beginning to overwhelm us,’ remembers Lothian, now 73. ‘I saw one of them almost getting to Ringo's drumkit, and then I saw 40 drunk bouncers tearing down the aisles. It was absolute pandemonium. Girls fainting, screaming, wet seats. The whole hall went into some kind of state, almost like collective hypnotism. I'd never seen anything like it.’
For adolescent girls, the Beatles' cheerful, accessible charm presented a more attractive alternative to Elvis' alpha-male heat. With each member offering a unique appeal, fans were able to choose their favourite based on their preferences and desires. And let’s not forget, the boys were rather easy on the eyes!
Although the screaming fans – or 'screamers' – often drowned out the music, they recall feeling a profound sense of camaraderie, solidarity, and collective identity. As Beatles enthusiast Linda Ihle recalls, being a fan made her feel 'part of something larger’.
For the most devoted fans, they sought souvenirs and personal encounters to validate the band's impact on their lives. Overseas, young devotees jumped through hoops like cycling over 30 kilometres to Heathrow to greet the band and crawling through the sewers beneath Abbey Road just to get a glimpse of their idols. Talk about dedication!
Some devoted fans can be seen in this footage of their 1963 Manchester performance:
But Australia wasn’t immune to the heights of Beatlemania either, ‘50 TEENAGERS HURT IN WILD CITY CRUSH’ read the headline in The Age on June 15, 1964. This was, of course, about the 20,000 people who’d gathered outside the Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne, with some perching in trees to catch a glimpse of their idols.
The Beatles' impact on Australian society in the 1960s was also significant. At a time when conservatism and paternalism ruled under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Menzies, the band's music brought a sense of freedom and rebellion to its listeners.
Macquarie University Associate History Professor Shirleene Robinson adds that although the 1960s are usually associated with the 'summer of love’, it wasn't until the later part of the decade that the counterculture movement truly took hold.
‘There were protests against them [The Beatles] in Brisbane; [independent MP] Bob Katter, he’s still in parliament, was among the University of Queensland students’ who protested against the band by throwing eggs at them, claims Robinson.
‘I think John Lennon said “If you’re against Beatlemania, maybe you should have thrown the eggs into the crowd”.’
In 1964, The Beatles landed in Australia, and the response was ‘overwhelming’. Maybe you can spot yourself or a fellow fan in the video below!
One Australian remembered, ‘Years ago, I had an older friend who told me his tale of seeing the Beatles in concert in Brisbane at Festival Hall (long demolished). He had saved his pocket money to buy a ticket–along with some school friends–even though his parents banned him from going. On the night of the concert, he climbed out his bedroom window and caught a bus to town. When the show started, he said you couldn't hear a single note they were playing because everyone was screaming; he then realised he was screaming too, even though he couldn't explain why!’
That’s right; it wasn’t just adolescent girls flocking to The Beatles. They drew in fans from all corners of the country!
Looking back only a few months, Harry Styles, ex-One Direction member, graced Australian shores for his highly anticipated 2023 tour. It seems the fan love language developed during Beatlemania has persevered, with some dubbing this recent event ‘Harrymania’.
In early 2023, Harry Styles’ tour saw huge lines starting early in the morning, with venues implementing ‘no camping’ rules to prevent fans from sleeping overnight at the venue to hold their place in line.
Some devoted fans can be seen in the video below:
One family at the front of the queue had travelled a whopping 3,000 kilometres from Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory to ensure they had a chance to see Styles in person.
Also at the front of the queue, Andreana Gameras, 21, had arrived at eight in the morning to ensure she got first pick of the merchandise. Along with two friends, the three women estimated spending anywhere from $600 to $900 each once the merchandise store opened.
It isn’t hard to find further proof of how dedicated Harry Styles fans can be: Emeli Gocev, 20, and Mia Diamantopoulous, 21, have matching tattoos of the words 'we'll be alright', a lyric from the namesake song of Styles' second album.
'So many people in this line will have this tattoo,' Gocev said. 'It's in [Styles’] handwriting.'
In one video, a fan even turned down $50,000 from Kyle and Jackie O to leave her place in the concert line. You can watch the interview below:
We understand the excitement that comes with following artists like the Beatles and what it means for younger generations to obsess over singers like Harry Styles. The negative press towards current day fans may be fuelled by the visibility of fandom on social media. Regardless, this craving for community and identity runs deep, transcending the passage of time.
It seems like teenagers in the 60s and present day aren’t so different after all!
Whether you were a Beatles fan or not, the impact of Beatlemania is undeniable. The communal spirit and unity it provided still linger in our memories, and that's something to cherish forever. So, to all the fans out there, keep the spirit of Beatlemania alive, for it represents a truly golden era.
Were you lucky enough to see The Beatles on their ‘64 Australian tour? If you missed out or simply want to relive the nostalgia, you can find their full Australian concert for free on Youtube.
Nowadays, young fangirls (and boys) are often the subject of news scrutiny for their fanaticism over celebrities such as the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK and once boy band member Harry Styles. But how different are these teenage fans compared to the devoted Beatles fans of the 1960s?
Yes, members, we’re taking a look back in time, so if you thought the days of your Beatlemania were over, think again. Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we took a trip down memory lane to relive the extraordinary stories of the Beatles fandom and how it compares to 2023’s ‘Harrymania’.
History repeats itself as fans (right) greet The Beatles in Adelaide in 1964 and fans (left) wait for a glimpse of One Direction in 2012. Image Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald and Sunrise.
Did you know that when the Beatles first played for Scottish concert promoter Andi Lothian in January 1963, a mere 15 people attended? Yet, by the time they graced the stage in Glasgow later that year, the Fab Four had achieved three No. 1 singles and a No. 1 album – and Beatlemania had well and truly begun.
Overwhelmed by fans and nervous police, bouncers struggled to maintain order at the event. As teenage girls fainted and screamed, the promoter coined the now-famous term: 'Don't worry, it's only… Beatlemania.'
1964: Australian fans wait in a tree to glimpse The Beatles. Image Credit: EMI Music Australia
‘The girls were beginning to overwhelm us,’ remembers Lothian, now 73. ‘I saw one of them almost getting to Ringo's drumkit, and then I saw 40 drunk bouncers tearing down the aisles. It was absolute pandemonium. Girls fainting, screaming, wet seats. The whole hall went into some kind of state, almost like collective hypnotism. I'd never seen anything like it.’
For adolescent girls, the Beatles' cheerful, accessible charm presented a more attractive alternative to Elvis' alpha-male heat. With each member offering a unique appeal, fans were able to choose their favourite based on their preferences and desires. And let’s not forget, the boys were rather easy on the eyes!
Although the screaming fans – or 'screamers' – often drowned out the music, they recall feeling a profound sense of camaraderie, solidarity, and collective identity. As Beatles enthusiast Linda Ihle recalls, being a fan made her feel 'part of something larger’.
For the most devoted fans, they sought souvenirs and personal encounters to validate the band's impact on their lives. Overseas, young devotees jumped through hoops like cycling over 30 kilometres to Heathrow to greet the band and crawling through the sewers beneath Abbey Road just to get a glimpse of their idols. Talk about dedication!
Some devoted fans can be seen in this footage of their 1963 Manchester performance:
But Australia wasn’t immune to the heights of Beatlemania either, ‘50 TEENAGERS HURT IN WILD CITY CRUSH’ read the headline in The Age on June 15, 1964. This was, of course, about the 20,000 people who’d gathered outside the Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne, with some perching in trees to catch a glimpse of their idols.
The Beatles' impact on Australian society in the 1960s was also significant. At a time when conservatism and paternalism ruled under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Menzies, the band's music brought a sense of freedom and rebellion to its listeners.
Macquarie University Associate History Professor Shirleene Robinson adds that although the 1960s are usually associated with the 'summer of love’, it wasn't until the later part of the decade that the counterculture movement truly took hold.
‘There were protests against them [The Beatles] in Brisbane; [independent MP] Bob Katter, he’s still in parliament, was among the University of Queensland students’ who protested against the band by throwing eggs at them, claims Robinson.
‘I think John Lennon said “If you’re against Beatlemania, maybe you should have thrown the eggs into the crowd”.’
In 1964, The Beatles landed in Australia, and the response was ‘overwhelming’. Maybe you can spot yourself or a fellow fan in the video below!
One Australian remembered, ‘Years ago, I had an older friend who told me his tale of seeing the Beatles in concert in Brisbane at Festival Hall (long demolished). He had saved his pocket money to buy a ticket–along with some school friends–even though his parents banned him from going. On the night of the concert, he climbed out his bedroom window and caught a bus to town. When the show started, he said you couldn't hear a single note they were playing because everyone was screaming; he then realised he was screaming too, even though he couldn't explain why!’
That’s right; it wasn’t just adolescent girls flocking to The Beatles. They drew in fans from all corners of the country!
Looking back only a few months, Harry Styles, ex-One Direction member, graced Australian shores for his highly anticipated 2023 tour. It seems the fan love language developed during Beatlemania has persevered, with some dubbing this recent event ‘Harrymania’.
In early 2023, Harry Styles’ tour saw huge lines starting early in the morning, with venues implementing ‘no camping’ rules to prevent fans from sleeping overnight at the venue to hold their place in line.
Some devoted fans can be seen in the video below:
One family at the front of the queue had travelled a whopping 3,000 kilometres from Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory to ensure they had a chance to see Styles in person.
Also at the front of the queue, Andreana Gameras, 21, had arrived at eight in the morning to ensure she got first pick of the merchandise. Along with two friends, the three women estimated spending anywhere from $600 to $900 each once the merchandise store opened.
It isn’t hard to find further proof of how dedicated Harry Styles fans can be: Emeli Gocev, 20, and Mia Diamantopoulous, 21, have matching tattoos of the words 'we'll be alright', a lyric from the namesake song of Styles' second album.
The tattoo is popular among Harry Styles fans. Credit: Instagram/tri_line_tattoos
'So many people in this line will have this tattoo,' Gocev said. 'It's in [Styles’] handwriting.'
In one video, a fan even turned down $50,000 from Kyle and Jackie O to leave her place in the concert line. You can watch the interview below:
Image Credit: (Left) One Direction fans in 2012. (Right) The Beatles fans in Adelaide in 1964. Image Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald and Sunrise.
We understand the excitement that comes with following artists like the Beatles and what it means for younger generations to obsess over singers like Harry Styles. The negative press towards current day fans may be fuelled by the visibility of fandom on social media. Regardless, this craving for community and identity runs deep, transcending the passage of time.
It seems like teenagers in the 60s and present day aren’t so different after all!
Whether you were a Beatles fan or not, the impact of Beatlemania is undeniable. The communal spirit and unity it provided still linger in our memories, and that's something to cherish forever. So, to all the fans out there, keep the spirit of Beatlemania alive, for it represents a truly golden era.
Were you lucky enough to see The Beatles on their ‘64 Australian tour? If you missed out or simply want to relive the nostalgia, you can find their full Australian concert for free on Youtube.
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