In this special episode of So Much More, we take listeners back to August 21, 1965, when The Beatles performed their one and only Minnesota concert at Metropolitan Stadium — the very site where Mall of America now stands. Sixty years later, the magic of that night still echoes through music history and personal memories.
Our two guests share remarkable first-hand stories: Ron Butwin, who gave George Harrison a guitar that went on to become part of Beatles lore, and Bob Pratt, who, at just 10 years old, met the Fab Four and watched the concert from the dugout alongside his father.
Together, they share what it was like to witness Beatlemania up close, how those moments shaped their lives, and why the Beatles’ legacy still inspires new generations, especially as Paul McCartney returns to Minneapolis this fall.
This podcast was made possible with the help of our friends at WDGY.
2:00 How Ron, as an 18-year-old musician came to meet The Beatles
5:45 The story behind the guitar that was gifted to The Beatles
10:45 Ringo’s hilarious response to the gifted guitar
12:45 The story of the thank you note – and the importance of it – from George Harrison
15:00 The Beatles were notorious for following up with their fans
20:00 All about The Beatles press conference in the Twin Cities
22:45 Bob’s memories as a 10-year-old meeting The Beatles
26:45 What the concert was like for our two guests
For more information on WDGY The Original Rock & Roll Station visit: https://wdgyradio.com/
Guests: Ron Butwin and Bob Pratt, both are Beatles at Metropolitan Stadium aficionados and Minnesota music insiders/historians
Your hosts: Daniel Jasper
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.
