News
19.09.2011, Words by Charlie Jones

The Beatles banned segregated audiences at their shows

If you needed another reason to love The Beatles, then it's come in the form of news that the band actively supported the US civil rights movement at their gigs.

A contract has been unearthed from a 1965 Beatles show which reveals that the band stipulated legally that they would not perform in front of segregated audiences, according to the BBC .

The document, which will be auctioned next week, is signed by the band’s manager Brian Epstein, and states clearly that the stars “not be required to perform in front of a segregated audience”. The band also famously supported civil rights by refusing to play at a segregated gig at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964.

Aside from racial equality, other demands outlined in the newly-revealed contract include a special drumming platform for Ringo Starr.

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