Even if you weren’t born during the Beatles’ peak years, you probably know their legacy and many songs. After all, this story about American places with a Beatles connection caught your attention. Although you may be familiar with some or many of these spots, there may be some you weren’t aware of. Whatever the case, please read through this magical mystery tour of famous Beatles places in America.
July is an exciting month in the history of The Beatles. For instance, John Lennon met Paul McCartney in Liverpool on July 6, 1957. That’s not to mention that Ringo Starr recently celebrated his 82nd birthday on July 7. Equally crucial in July are the London movie premieres of “A Hard Day Night” and “Help!” in 1964 and 1965, respectively.
The Beatles in America
Abbey Road Crossing
611 E. Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
www.facebook.com/abbeyroadlv
An Abbey Road in the United States? There’s one in downtown Las Vegas. Just a few blocks from Las Vegas Boulevard is that tribute to arguably the world’s most famous crosswalk. But then again, it’s not nearly as wide nor as busy as road traffic. At the same time, it is a worthwhile visit, especially for fans of The Beatles.
Moreover, you can even see Ringo Starr’s handprints and autographs on the sidewalk. In addition, other Beatles’ related attractions by Abbey Road Crossing exist. For instance, a sign on a wall resembles the original Abbey Road sign in London. If that’s not enough, there is also a smaller version of the Imagine mosaic at the crossing median.
Related: America’s Best Spring Music Festivals
Capitol Records Building
1750 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.facebook.com/capitolrecords
One of the most iconic buildings in Los Angeles is the former headquarters of Capitol Records. Known as the world’s first circular office tower, it resembles a stack of 45 rpm records. Although the Beatles never made a record in the U.S., most of their hits were on the Capitol Records label. In other words, this building has an extraordinary place in British rock history. Another critical point for you to know is what’s outside the front door. On the sidewalk, you will see the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars for each Beatles. However, the Beatles star on the Walk of Fame is at a different spot. It’s about 1.5 miles away, at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard.
Ed Sullivan Theater
1697 broadway
New York, NY 10019
Of all the American venues where the Beatles made appearances, the Ed Sullivan Theater is the most iconic. It’s also among the most prominent places in Beatles history, in America or across the Pond. For one thing, the theater was where the Beatles made their first stateside appearance on live television. For another, 73 million people watched that first performance on television on February 9, 1964. As a result, this single performance by the Fab Four set off the British Invasion of music groups. This led to the successful careers of many British groups of that era. For instance, the Rolling Stones, Dave Clark Five, the Who, the Hollies, the Kinks, and many more.
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George Harrison Tree
2800 E. Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Like the other Beatles, George Harrison had multiple residences. In particular, was the Friar Park gothic mansion, with a feature role in the Crackerjack Palace music video. However, that home also has a dark side due to the attack by an intruder. That incident may be why Harrison, his wife Oliva, and his son Dhani spent more time in Los Angeles. Three years after Harrison’s death at his Laurel Canyon home, a memorial tree was planted in Griffith Park. Although that tree was replaced with another, this site is a must-see for Beatles fans. You can see the George Harrison Tree near the parking lot for Griffith Park Observatory. As you approach the parking lot, turn left and park as soon as possible. The tree and memorial plaque are at the entrance to Charlie Turner Trailhead.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
1100 E. Ninth St.
Cleveland, OH 44114
www.rockhall.com
The Beatles have several connections to Cleveland. The Fab Four had two memorable concerts here, including at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on August 14, 1966. Indeed, this was the last of the touring stops before Candlestick Park. The former Cleveland Sheraton also has a notable place in history as the host hotel for John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Be that as it may, Cleveland’s most important spot with a Beatles connection is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Related: Suggested Nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Beatles Collection at the RRHOF
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame devotes a sizeable area to the Beatles. Several rare artifacts, some of which date back to the working class in Liverpool. For example, there is a signed contract for the “Silver Beetles” to perform at a concert in 1960. That’s to say, nothing of the iconic grey outfits worn during the height of Beatlemania. Even more artifacts include the 1974 Settlement Agreement, dissolving the Beatles, Asher Family Piano, and more. A tribute to the Ed Sullivan Show is in a separate section of the Rock Hall. Here in the display case is John Lennon’s guitar from the Beatle’s first live television performance.
The Beatles Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
Eight years after the death of John Lennon in 1980, the Beatles were inducted into the Hall of Fame. However, only George, Ringo and family members appeared at the ceremony. That’s because in 1988, a legal dispute was still active between Paul McCartney and the other Beatles. For this reason, Paul chose not to attend due to tension among the three surviving members. However, Yoko Ono spoke at the ceremony, as did Julian and Sean Lennon.
The Beatles as Individual Inductees into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
John Lennon was the first of the Beatles to be inducted into the Rock Hall as a solo artist. Paul McCartney gave the 1994 speech in memory of his longtime friend from Liverpool. In some ways, McCartney also made concessions to the surviving Beatles and family members. McCartney was an inductee five years later, although his band Wings was not mentioned. George was next in 2004, and Ringo in 2015, with Paul delivering the induction speech.
Related: American Music Museums To Visit
Strawberry Fields
Central Park West at W. 72nd St.
Central Park
New York, NY 10019
www.centralparknyc.org/strawberry-fields
Indeed, the most poignant place in America for Beatles fans to visit is Strawberry Fields. This memorial is for John Lennon, taking its name from a famous Beatles song. The centerpiece of this 2.5-acre section of Central Park is the Imagine mosaic. A circular piece of artwork can be found near the area that is thought to be where Yoko Ono scattered John Lennon’s ashes. This area near Lennon’s residence at the Dakota Apartments was their favorite spot in Central Park. Although Strawberry Fields is popular year-round, the most significant gatherings are on December 8, the anniversary of Lennon’s death. Each December, many people come to pay their respects and share stories. At the same time, people sing John Lennon songs, like “Give Peace a Chance”, “Imagine” and “Strawberry Fields Forever”.
The Plaza Hotel
Fifth Avenue at Central Park S
New York, NY 10019
www.theplazany.com
It can be confident that any hotel with the Beatles as guests grew more popular. While the Plaza is famous in several ways, it was the first American hotel to host the Beatles. The Fab Four nearly caused a riot upon their arrival at the Plaza on February 7, 1964. Two days later, the band from Liverpool made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. During their first U.S. visit, several famous photos were taken of the Beatles. For example, pictures of the Beatle’s arrival and subsequent interview at JFK Airport are legendary. However, many more were taken during their stay at the Plaza Hotel. Indeed, one famous photo shows the Beatles waving from their suite to the massive crowd.
More Beatles Attractions In New York
The Beatles have made a lasting impression since they first set foot in New York. Fortunately, even after nearly 60 years, many Beatles connections remain in America’s largest city. Of course, some are obvious, like Carnegie Hall and Forest Hills Stadium. But did you know that John Lennon’s first New York home was at 105 Bank Street? Moreover, did you know that Lennon’s last public performance was at an Elton John concert at Madison Square Garden? In all, there are several more Beatles imprints all over the city. Moreover, you can take a Beatles tour of New York with tour guides like Susan Ryan. She is a Beatles expert and the proud owner of Fab 4 NYC Walking Tours.
Washington Coliseum
1140 Third St. NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
In the United States, the Beatles made appearances at several famous spots. For example, the August 1965 show at Shea Stadium is quite legendary. That’s to say nothing of Candlestick Park in San Francisco, the site of the Beatle’s last touring concert in 1966. But the very first full concert by the Beatles was at Washington Arena. This performance was on February 11, 1964, just days after their first Ed Sullivan appearance.
Moreover, the Fab Four stood on a boxing ring platform in the center of the arena.
To put it differently, this show may have been the only one to have the group perform in the center of the arena. Fortunately, you can still see this historic arena, Uline Arena. However, the structure now houses the local flagship store for REI.
Related: Cleveland Attractions To Visit
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.