John Lennon boards a Viscount aircraft for a domestic flight at Wellington Airport, June 23, 1964. The capital’s airport did not have jet bridges for domestic flights until the late-’80s, so you were invariably guaranteed a soggy boarding.
Ringo Starr and George Harrison on board an aircraft during their tour of New Zealand, June 1964.
John Lennon with Annie and Frank Parker, of Levin, June 23, 1964. Both the couple and their three children (also photographed) were described as John’s second cousins, which can’t be correct.
The Beatles on the balcony of the Hotel St George, Wellington, June 1964. (I got plastered every night at the hotel’s student bar, Scribblers, during the mid-’80s)
The hotel in 2020. The Beatles stood to the right of the balcony flagpole.
The Beatles at a press conference in Wellington, June 1964
Ringo Starr receiving a Maori welcome in Wellington. George hopes to dodge a bullet. Poor bastards.
The Beatles at Wellington Airport, June 1964. They are wearing tikis (good luck charms) around their necks. John is waving a poi, used by female dancers.
A fan is restrained during the Beatles’ concert at the Wellington Town Hall, June 24, 1964
NOTE: My book Strange Days: The Adventures of a Grumpy Rock ‘n’ Roll Journalist in Los Angeles is available here. For more info, go to strangedaysbook.com
