BeatleMNia: The Beatles First (and Only) Visit to Minnesota

KFAI's MinneCulture

By 1965, the Beatles were the biggest music group in the world. They sold millions of records. They recorded songs that were not only popular but also took music in new directions. And everywhere they went, they stirred up an excitement so hysterical and commonplace there was a word for it: Beatlemania.

Minnesota fans had fallen in love with the Lads from Liverpool the moment they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. But the Beatles passed Minnesota by on their first North American tour, and there was no guarantee they would stop by on their second. But they did.

This is the story of how the Beatles came to Minnesota for one magical and madcap night in August 1965 from the people who were there. KFAI's Britt Aamodt has the story.

Season 7 of the MinneCulture podcast is edited and executive produced by Julie Censullo and hosted by John Gebretatose

Support for MinneCulture on KFAI has been provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.