The Beatles fans name 'best-ever gig' - but band member had big problem with it

The Beatles' final touring chapter closed in 1966, and fans have since been discussing which the Liverpool band's best-ever gig was. Despite hanging up their touring boots, the Fab Four did reunite briefly atop Abbey Road studios, but never graced a stadium or concert hall again post-1966.

Their last U.S. tour stirred controversy when claimed the group were "bigger than Jesus," yet it also featured what many argue was their greatest live performance. Regarded as not only ' crowning live moment but also one of the first significant arena concerts, the r/Beatles community recently buzzed with admiration for one particular gig at the Shea Stadium in New York.

A nostalgic fan posted: "I was just thinking about how 'The Beatles at Shea Stadium' was the first ever major concert in an arena stadium. Has anyone seen the film?" On August 11, 1966, The Beatles rocked Shea Stadium in New York, delivering just 11 songs.

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Yet, those tracks are often hailed as the best of The Beatles' live recordings. Released on this day [May 1] back in 1966, the Shea Stadium concert film continues to be celebrated as one of the all-time great live performances

Although the Fab Four would go on to perform numerous live shows on their own, with and both taking to the stage in the last year, it's the iconic Shea Stadium performance that defines The Beatles for many fans.

One enthusiastic fan commented: "Loved it. I wish they'd included it as an extra on the blu-ray too. Maybe in the Help! boxset? They seem to constantly pass up opportunities to release these things."

Another fan shared a personal connection, saying: "My mom was in the crowd. She said the energy was incredible."

Despite the fans' adoration, the band themselves didn't seem entirely proud of their work at Shea Stadium. At the time, manager Brian Epstein highlighted the shows' impressive attendance figures, with nearly half a million attendees, and the significant financial gains The Beatles made from the performance.

Epstein stated: "This tour compares phenomenally well with last year's. It's much better all round this year, from the point of view of increased interest and we are actually playing to bigger audiences."

Promoter Sid Bernstein added: "Over 55,000 people saw the Beatles at Shea Stadium. However, drummer Ringo Starr had a different perspective, struggling with the performance due to the deafening screams of the fans.

Starr recalled: "I could not hear anything. I'd be watching John's ass or Paul's a**, his foot tapping, his head nodding, to see where we were in the song.

The Fab Four's involvement with the highly charged Vietnam War was a major talking point during their famous Shea Stadium gig, according to Larry Kane, who often travelled with The Beatles.

He confirmed: "The four of them [...] started to act up and blowback on this very, very hot and sensitive issue, knowing that it would really irritate a lot of Americans."

What did The Beatles play at Shea Stadium?

Out of the 11 songs they delivered that day, they performed nine originals, many written before their legendary albums had hit the shelves. Fans who have since watched tapes of the show say they noticed McCartney does not appear to be a fan of one song.

Rock and Roll Music (Chuck Berry cover)

She's a Woman

If I Needed Someone

Day Tripper

Baby's in Black

I Feel Fine

Yesterday

I Wanna Be Your Man

Nowhere Man

Paperback Writer

Long Tall Sally (Little Richard Cover)

After discovering an unedited version of the show, they observed: "Found a good uncut rip of it recently, some old film print at least, and wow the show really rips what a great time! If they couldn't hear each other, you cant really tell as they're in time and tune easy enough."

They also noticed McCartney's distinct reaction to one track, adding: "Also kind of a fun detail is I think Paul doesn't just love Act Naturally, it's the only song he isn't glowing on."

"Wish I could have seen the 4k restoration, hopefully some of the informative comments in here are accurate and we get a release of it eventually.

Another attendee added they had no idea how important the show would be, They wrote: "I was at the concert. Little did we know we were making history."