Paul McCartney Reveals The Beatles Refused to Play for Segregated Audience in 1964

Paul McCartney is reflecting on the importance of coming together to create change.

The 77-year-old music legend took to his Twitter to share a statement regarding the worldwide protests and public outcry for justice following the death of George Floyd.

“As we continue to see the protests and demonstrations across the world, I know many of us want to know just what we can be doing to help. None of us have all the answers and there is no quick fix but we need change,” Paul wrote. “We all need to work together to overcome racism in any form. We need to learn more, listen more, talk more, educate ourselves and, above all, take action.”

Paul went on to reveal that back in 1964, The Beatles refused to play a show in the United States for a segregated audience.

“In 1964 The Beatles were due to play Jacksonville in the US and we found out that it was going to be to a segregated audience,” Paul wrote. “It felt wrong. We said ‘We’re not doing that!’ and the concert we did do was to their first non-segregated audience. We then made sure this was in our contract. To us it seemed like common sense.”

Paul added, “I feel sick and angry that here we are almost 60 years later and the world is in shock at the horrific scenes of the senseless murder of George Floyd at the hands of police racism, along with the countless others that came before.”

“All of us here support and stand alongside all those who are protesting and raising their voices at this time. I want justice for George Floyd’s family, I want justice for all those who have died and suffered,” Paul concluded. “Saying nothing is not an option.”