(8 Feb 2014) Fifty years after it first arrived on US shores, Beatlemania returned to New York on Friday, with JFK Airport resonating to the sound of Beatles songs, as fans of all ages marked the anniversary.
The Beatles flew to the United States on 7 February, 1964, to be met by thousands of screaming fans at the airport.
Two days later, the Fab Four made their first US television appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show'.
"It's 50 years and I can't believe that happened. I was 13 years old, I loved the Beatles, every one of them, but I'm a favourite of Paul's," said long-time Beatles fan Karen Gromada.
Former airline staff recalled the flight from the UK and the pandemonium on landing.
"I tell the story wherever I go and somebody says, 'Oh you were on the Beatles flight - how exciting'," said former Pan Am flight attendant Jillian L'Eplatenier.
"Everybody wants to know what it was like. The guys were nice, very pleasant and mannerly, but we didn't get a chance to talk to them much because they were up running around taking pictures of the crew and everyone else and it was like, 'would you please sit down because we have a cart service to do'."
A plaque was unveiled at JFK Airport to celebrate the anniversary of the Fab Four arriving in America, which was presented by Port Authority officials.
Fans celebrated by singing along and dancing to Beatles songs performed by Beatles cover band 'Liverpool'.
John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, said it was thrilling to be there at the airport 50 years on, but admitted it was a "bit emotional".
"I didn't quite expect the amount of people, but we're just looking forward to a celebratory weekend," she said. "That's what we've come for - to celebrate."
The airport tribute was part of a three-day celebration for Beatles fans in New York City. ���

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...