'We love our parents, but we also love the Beatles!': In 1964, Fab Four fans pour their hearts out
Editor's note: In 1964, the Beatles were something of a demarcation line between generations. Don't believe it? Read the letters sent to Ione Quinby Griggs by girls frustrated with their parents' opposition to the Fab Four — including some whose parents forbade them from seeing the group at its first (and as it turned out, only) show in Milwaukee, Sept. 4, 1964, at the Milwaukee Arena. A longer version of this column was first published June 9, 1964, two days after the Beatles' main British Invasion rival, the Dave Clark Five, played a disastrous show at George Devine's Million Dollar Ballroom, where 11,000 people were packed into a venue with room for 2,500.
RELATED:Milwaukee's first rock 'n' roll riot — and it was for the Dave Clark Five
Numerous Beatles fans have written me asking to "sound off" about their troubles. There are too many to answer all in the column, but I will answer a few and hope this will help those whose letters cannot be published. Here are some of the letters:
Mrs. Griggs: I am one of the unfortunate girls who was told I couldn't see either the Beatles or the Dave Clark Five. When I asked my mother to see the Beatles this fall, she said, "There are going to be riots so you can't go!" …
I wanted to go to that Dave Clark party. Now all of my wishes are centered on the Beatles show. You may say my mother is like this because she wants to protect me. I wish for once she'd forget that I am her "little girl" and put herself in my place. Surely she must have wanted to see something "more than anything in the world."
— A Fan Without a Ticket
A Fan Without a Ticket: It isn't possible to buy a ticket for the Beatles' fall appearance now, so you will have to content yourself with listening to their records. … Believe me when I tell you there will be other thrills as time goes on which will give you satisfaction. You have many wonderful chapters of life ahead of you. Don't let one or two disappointments frustrate you.
— I.Q.G.
Mrs. Griggs: We are six seventh-grade girls who want to sound off about the way our parents and others are treating the Beatles. Our parents think we are mentally (challenged) because we like the Beatles. Some object to the way girls carry on about them. If that's their objection, why do they insult the Beatles instead of the girls? Our parents, after seeing them on television, have come to conclusions like these: "John sings like he has marbles in his mouth and sounds like a hysterical woman." "George has a board up his back" because he stands so straight. "Ringo is pitiful because he is homely." "Paul has a big mouth!"
We realize some of these things are said for fun, but they sound sarcastic. … Our mothers say the Beatles are "too wild." We wonder if they ever viewed Leonard Bernstein conducting.
The worst is their comments about "Beatle haircuts." They call them "feminine." If girls wear theirs the same, they tag them "boyish," What's wrong with a lot of hair, anyway? … We love our parents, but we also love the Beatles!
— Six Girls
Six Girls: I'm a little enthused about the Beatles myself. I think they should be a pleasant "memory" for more subdued times when serious projects occupy most of a person's program. Some years from now, the Beatles fans will have their share of adult worries and responsibilities, so I hope they can enjoy nonsensical fun now. A lot of the old Sinatra and Rudy Vallée fans have settled down, and most of them are stable citizens today.
— I.Q.G.
Mrs. Griggs: My girlfriend and I would like to add our pleas to the Beatles fans who want to enjoy the concert next fall. We have purchased $4.50 tickets. We would like to say, "Please don't throw jelly beans at the Beatles or anything else!" As George once said, "If you must throw something, throw kisses!" Let's have the Beatles remember Milwaukee for its considerate teens. Let's get with it!
— A Second "George and Paul"
A Second "George and Paul": I hope my readers will remember, as this will be the last reminder in the column …
— I.Q.G.
About this feature
Each Thursday, the Green Sheet brings back some of the stories and features that gave the old Green Sheet its distinct identity, including Ione Quinby Griggs' long-running advice column. Look for them in print and online at jsonline.com/green-sheet.
Green Sheet memories
As we mark the second anniversary of the return of the Green Sheet to the pages of the Journal Sentinel — it first arrived in this space on May 25, 2015 — we could use your help with our weekly Throwback Thursday feature. Which features from the first Green Sheet do you want to rediscover or learn more about? Let us know at cforan@journalsentinel.com or by writing to: Chris Foran, Green Sheet Ideas, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 333 W. State St., Milwaukee, WI 53203.