8080 - Beatles (4) Original Candid Photographs from Their First U.S. Concert in Washington, D.C. (1964)

Beatles (4) Original Candid Photographs from Their First U.S. Concert in Washington, D.C. (1964) Four original vintage glossy 3.5 x 3.5 candid photographs of the Beatles performing onstage in Washington, D.C., apparently taken during the band’s historic first American concert at the Washington Coliseum on February 11, 1964. The images, which depict the Beatles performing in their matching suits, include: Paul McCartney playing the bass; McCartney performing with Ringo Starr in the background; George Harrison playing the guitar; and Paul, George, and Ringo during a break. The latter photograph bears a “NOV 1967” date stamp, presumably reflecting a later printing or processing date rather than the date the image was taken. The reverse of each photo is annotated, “Washington D.C.,” and bears “A Kodak Paper” watermarks. In overall fine condition with slight edgewear, and noticeable dampstaining to the bottom edge of the band photo. The Washington Coliseum concert marked the Beatles' first live performance in the United States, coming just two days after their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. The band traveled to Washington by train after a snowstorm grounded flights out of New York, arriving to find the city blanketed in snow and the venue, ordinarily configured for boxing, set up with the band performing in the round on a small central stage. Before more than 8,000 fans, the Beatles played a 12-song set beginning shortly after 8:30 p.m., pausing partway through so their equipment and Ringo Starr's drum riser could be turned to face other sections of the crowd.