Why did the Philippines want to ban The Beatles?
Being banned was a familiar rather than alien concept to The Beatles. They felt the wrath of radio stations across the world on numerous occasions due to the nature of their lyrical content, which they soon grew used to. However, while having the occasional song blacklisted from the radio was to be expected with the territory of rock ‘n’ roll, they never expected almost to get banned from an entire country.
Due to their unprecedented popularity, most countries would have rolled out the red carpet to have the Fab Four grace their soil and treat them with the same prestige as the Royal Family. However, The Beatles always continued to view themselves as a rock band rather than diplomats. On one occasion, this authentic approach landed them in hot water and made the group fear for their own safety.
In 1966, The Beatles could do no wrong and could have released an album consisting of 45 minutes of fart noises that would still sell a million copies. They were seen as more than a band, but a gift from god to bring rock ‘n’ roll to the people and save civilisation. As a result, their fame took them to every thinkable corner of the world, including the Philippines, but a misstep during their visit would lead to the group nearly being banned from the Asian country.
The Fab Four had been invited to the territory to play two shows in Manila. Naturally, they were paid a handsome fee for their services, and it was a seismic cultural coup for the Phillippines to secure their presence. Upon their arrival in the Philippines, they were treated like megastars, and their stay got off to a smooth start. However, the goodwill didn’t last forever, and by the end of their trip, The Beatles were desperate to depart.
Their troubles resulted from a report in The Manila Times newspaper on the front-page story accusing The Beatles of “snubbing the First Lady and the three Marcos children”. She had thrown a glamourous party to commemorate their visit and was devastated when they shunned the invitation. The Beatles didn’t intend to cause any malice by ignoring her request, but they were in the Philippines to play shows and weren’t interested in participating in a glitzy ceremony.
In the book John, Paul, George, Ringo & Me, The Beatles’ former press officer Tony Barrow recalled: “Just after eight that morning a man in a shiny suit carrying a brown briefcase came to deliver an envelope for Brian Epstein: ‘Here is your bill for the income tax due on The Beatles’ fee.’ Our contract with Cavalcade, as with most concert promoters outside the UK, was very precise on the matter of local taxes. The responsibility for payment belonged to the promoter. Ramon Ramos Jr was contractually liable for the settlement of any tax bills. But the taxman insisted that the full fee was taxed as earnings regardless of any other contracts.”
Barrow added: “His words were confirmed by the Manila Daily Mirror headline: BEATLES TOLD: PAY NOW, LEAVE LATER. The newspapers carried hostile headlines such as FURORE OVER BEATLES SNUB DAMPENS SHOW, and IMELDA STOOD UP: FIRST FAMILY WAITS IN VAIN FOR MOPHEADS. According to a palace spokesperson, The Beatles had ‘spit in the eye of the First Family.’ It was also reported quite erroneously that The Beatles had requested an audience with Imelda Marcos in the first place, the one press story that brought forth hollow laughter from the boys.”
When The Beatles did try to leave the country following the backlash, they were met by an angry mob who used violence to demonstrate their disgruntlement against them. Barrow continued: “Brian Epstein was punched in the face and kicked in the groin. The roadies got the worst of it. Mal Evans was kicked in the ribs and tripped up, but he staggered on across the tarmac towards the aircraft with blood streaming down one leg. We did our best to shield John, Paul, George and Ringo from direct blows.”
Thankfully, Paul McCartney came to the band’s rescue and faced the music to save the situation ahead of it escalating into tyranny. Before they departed the country, he apologised on their behalf during an interview on local radio. McCartney didn’t need to do this, but it led to The Beatles securing the nation’s forgiveness and those who held power. Shortly before their delayed plane left the runway, a press statement was issued by President Marcos which read: “There was no intention on the part of The Beatles to slight the First Lady or the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.”
While they never received an official ban, and the situation was dealt with before their plane departed, it would be enough to prevent them from ever returning to the Phillippines. Their decision to step away from the road to focus on their studio work was also somewhat moulded by unwanted experiences on tour, such as the Manila nightmare.
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