Music
The Beatles refused to play to segregated crowd in US
Published Thursday, Sep 15 2011, 16:34 BST | By Lewis Corner | 1 comment
© Rex Features
A contract and rider which was drawn up ahead of a gig at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California in 1965 has revealed the political sensitivities and personal needs of the band when they were touring in their prime, reports The Guardian.
The documents stipulate that the group refused to perform in front of a "segregated audience", at a time when racial tensions in the US were a serious issue.
The rider also requested "no less than 150 uniformed police officers for protection" and a "special drumming platform for Ringo [Starr]".
The Beatles' trailer was required to have access to "electricity and water", while "four cots, mirrors, an ice cooler, portable TV set and clean towels" were to be present in the pop foursome's dressing rooms.
The contract is signed by the band's manager Brian Epstein and the documents are expected to sell for up to $5,000 (£3,170) at an auction in Los Angeles on September 20.
A signed copy of The Beatles' single 'Please Please Me' recently sold for £9,000 at an auction in Liverpool.
> The Beatles fight piracy in Music Matters campaign
Watch The Beatles perform 'Twist and Shout' live in the USA in 1965 below:
More: The Beatles, Music
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