On October 28, 1965, The Beatles received MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) medals from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. This event marked the first time a rock band had been bestowed such an honor, and it was a significant moment in music history.
The Beatles, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, were at the peak of their popularity in 1965. They had just released their album "Help!" and were preparing for their fourth North American tour. The news of their MBE awards caused quite a stir, with some traditionalists feeling that the honor should not be given to pop musicians.
On the day of the ceremony, the band arrived at Buckingham Palace in a black limousine, dressed in tailored suits. They were greeted by throngs of screaming fans who had gathered outside the palace gates. As they entered the palace, the band reportedly felt nervous about meeting the Queen.
During the ceremony, the Queen presented each member of the band with their MBE medal, which they graciously accepted. However, John Lennon later claimed that the band had smoked marijuana in the palace bathrooms before the ceremony to calm their nerves.
The Beatles' MBE awards were seen as a turning point in the public perception of rock music. It showed that the establishment was beginning to recognize the cultural significance of popular music and the impact it had on society. The event also helped to cement The Beatles' status as one of the most influential and important bands in music history.
Interestingly, John Lennon later returned his MBE medal in 1969 as a protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigerian Civil War and the Vietnam War. Despite this, the band's legacy and impact on music remain unmatched to this day.
