1. John Lennon’s Famous Quip about The Beatles’ Popularity:
During an interview in 1966, John Lennon famously said, “We’re more popular than Jesus now.” The remark caused quite a stir, particularly in the United States, and was widely misunderstood. When asked about it, Lennon responded with his characteristic dry humor, saying, “I wasn’t saying that we were better or that we were greater. I was just saying we were more popular at the time.” While it was a serious statement about media and celebrity culture, his casual delivery made it sound almost comical.
2. The Beatles on Their Hairstyles:
In one interview, the band was asked about their famous mop-top hairstyles. Paul McCartney jokingly responded, “We’re not having our hair done, it’s just a natural thing.” The interviewers probed further, and George Harrison chimed in with a smirk, “I just let it grow. If I cut it, it wouldn’t grow as long.” The group’s playful back-and-forth on their hairstyles shows their cheeky, relaxed personalities.
3. The Beatles and their Love of the Word “Sausage”:
In a 1964 interview with Jackie Lomax, the interviewer asked the band, “What is the one thing that you hate most in the world?” Without missing a beat, Paul McCartney responded with, “Sausages!” which caused everyone to burst into laughter. Then, when pressed further, John Lennon added, “We like to say ‘sausage’ because it’s a funny word.” Their ability to turn an innocent question into a joke is part of what made them so endearing to fans.
4. Ringo Starr’s Dry Humor:
In a 1966 interview with David Frost, Ringo Starr was asked, “Why do you think you’ve been so successful?” He answered in his usual sarcastic manner, “I have no idea, I just got lucky.” Ringo’s understated responses often added a layer of humor to interviews, with his deadpan delivery making even the simplest answers sound hilarious.
5. The Beatles on Group Dynamics:
In a 1964 press conference in the U.S., an interviewer asked, “What do you think of your music?” John Lennon answered, “It’s very good, very good. But you know, we don’t really listen to it, we’re too busy making it.” In a follow-up, Paul McCartney jokingly added, “We’ve never really been music critics.” The band’s self-awareness and ability to poke fun at their own fame and success made them particularly charismatic during interviews.
6. Paul McCartney’s Answer to a Fan Question:
In one iconic interview, a fan asked, “What’s your favorite Beatles song?” To which Paul McCartney replied, “I don’t know. I like all of them, really. It depends on the day.” This down-to-earth response wasn’t just honest but also humorously relatable, showing how even a member of The Beatles could find it hard to choose just one favorite.
7. The Famous “Four Goons” Moment:
When The Beatles first arrived in the United States in 1964, they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. In one segment, the host introduced the band, calling them “The four lads from Liverpool.” In classic Beatle style, John Lennon immediately quipped, “Four goons from Liverpool, actually.” The group’s self-deprecating humor was often evident in their interactions with the press, always making light of their own fame and their quirky personalities.
These interviews reveal a playful side to The Beatles that not only made them musical legends but also kept their fans laughing and engaged. Whether it was John’s sarcastic remarks, Paul’s dry wit, or Ringo’s straight-faced humor, The Beatles knew how to entertain both with their music and their words.