Paul McCartney shares a poignant message for his late Beatles bandmates, John Lennon and George Harrison, in the newly released Disney+ documentary Beatles ’64. The film, which debuted on November 29, revisits the iconic band’s historic 1964 arrival in the United States and their groundbreaking performances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Having already captivated audiences in the UK and Europe, The Beatles—Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison—landed in New York City on February 7, 1964, to an overwhelming reception. Greeted by thousands of adoring fans at Kennedy Airport, the arrival marked the height of Beatlemania. Their debut performance on The Ed Sullivan Show drew over 73 million viewers, becoming the most-watched television event of its era. Directed by David Tedeschi, the documentary captures this historic moment while offering an intimate glimpse into the bond shared by the four band members during their rapid rise to fame.
The film features new interviews with Paul and Ringo, who reflect on their extraordinary journey. In a heartfelt moment toward the end, Paul is asked what he would say to John and George if they were alive today. He replies, “I would say ‘I love you,’ because growing up in Liverpool, you never said that…unless he was like your brother, and they were brothers.” Paul frequently honors John and George, who passed away in 1980 and 2001 respectively. During his Glastonbury 2022 set, Paul performed a virtual duet with John on “I’ve Got a Feeling,” remarking how special it was to feel “back together” with his late friend.
Earlier in the documentary, Paul reflects on The Beatles’ arrival in America, a nation still mourning the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He believes their music brought a sense of healing and joy to the country during a difficult time.