The 1960s belonged to The Beatles. Their music dominated the airwaves, their haircuts sparked trends, and their fame reached a fever pitch. Yet, even for these global icons, there were moments of intense pressure and unforeseen danger. One such instance occurred during their 1966 world tour, with a stop in the Philippines that took a shocking turn.
The band’s manager, Brian Epstein, found himself at the center of the controversy. After a declined invitation to the presidential palace, things spiraled out of control for The Beatles. Faced with a hostile reception and fearing for their safety, they were forced to make a hasty retreat from the Philippines.
Epstein, wracked with guilt, took responsibility for placing the band in such a precarious situation. He vowed he would “never forgive” himself for the events that unfolded. What exactly transpired in the Philippines, and why did it weigh so heavily on Epstein’s conscience?
Leaving on a Sour Note
On the eve of their departure from Tokyo, The Beatles received an unexpected invitation. Imelda Marcos, the then-First Lady of the Philippines, planned a grand reception with the band and hundreds of children at the presidential palace. However, The Beatles had a standing policy of declining such official engagements, and their refusal in Manila sparked national outrage.
Peter Brown, a close associate of the band, later recounted the events in his co-authored book. While the concerts themselves were successful, news of their snub reached the hotel room via television reports. The atmosphere had shifted dramatically. Despite Epstein’s attempt to apologize on Manila TV, technical difficulties prevented his message from reaching the public.
The situation continued to deteriorate. Hotel staff turned cold, and police escorts to the airport mysteriously vanished. The once joyous tour stop in the Philippines was now shrouded in tension and a sense of danger.
A Frightful Escape from Manila
Despite the escalating tension, the band managed to reach the airport on time. However, the scene that greeted them was far from welcoming. A hostile crowd had gathered, their anger palpable.
“Above us was a balcony filled with angry people shaking their fists, shouting, ‘Beatles go home!’ and spitting on us,” recounted Peter Brown, vividly describing the scene. “We didn’t say anything, we were so terrified.”
Relief washed over them as they finally boarded the plane. The ordeal had clearly taken its toll, especially on Brian Epstein. Settling into his seat, Epstein, visibly shaken, turned to Brown and uttered a confession filled with guilt: “I’ll never forgive myself. I put the boys in danger.”
“Brian Was Very Sad and Almost Pathetic”
The Manila incident wasn’t the only stressful ordeal The Beatles faced on tour. Epstein constantly navigated chaotic situations – from unruly crowds to natural disasters and media scandals. While the band members ultimately welcomed the end of their touring years, Epstein felt a deep sense of loss.
Nat Weiss, the band’s lawyer, described witnessing Epstein’s emotional state during their final San Francisco show. “Brian was very sad and almost pathetic,” Weiss recounted in The Beatles: The Authorized Biography. Epstein’s usual confidence seemed to vanish, replaced by a sense of uncertainty. He even questioned his future, wondering if he should pursue a different career path.
Despite this moment of despair, Epstein ultimately remained committed to The Beatles. He recognized their ongoing need for management and continued in his role until his untimely death in 1967.