The Beatles performed two shows on this day, which were watched by a total of 29,337 people. The other acts on the bill were, in order of appearance, The Bill Black Combo, The Exciters, Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry, and Jackie DeShannon.
The nights before and after they stayed at the Speedway Motel on West 16th Street. Prior to the first concert Ringo Starr went missing. He arrived just minutes before they were due to go on stage, explaining that he he had lost track of time while driving a police car around a nearby race track.
The first show began at 6.21pm, and was watched by 12,413 fans. Afterwards they held a press conference, before returning to the stage for the second show. This time 16,924 were at the venue. The Beatles later said the fans’ reception was “quite quiet” in comparison to the other dates on the tour.
Indianapolis was good. As we were leaving, on the way to the airport, they took us round the Indy circuit, the 500 oval, in a Cadillac. It was fantastic. I couldn’t believe how long the straightway was; and to be on the banking and see all the grandstands was great.
The Beatles performed their standard 12-song set: ‘Twist And Shout’, ‘You Can’t Do That’, ‘All My Loving’, ‘She Loves You’, ‘Things We Said Today’, ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, ‘If I Fell’, ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’, ‘Boys’, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, and ‘Long Tall Sally’.
For the two concerts The Beatles earned $85,231.93, after $1,719.02 was deducted as state income tax.
Also on this day...
- 2018: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri
- 2010: Yoko Ono visits John Lennon’s school and childhood home
- 1998: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Bundeskunsthalle, Bonn
- 1993: Paul McCartney live: Waldbühne, Berlin
- 1989: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Greek Theatre, Los Angeles
- 1968: Ringo Starr rejoins The Beatles
- 1968: Recording: While My Guitar Gently Weeps
- 1963: Radio: three episodes of Pop Go The Beatles
- 1962: The Beatles live: Queen’s Hall, Widnes
- 1962: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1961: The Beatles live: Hambleton Hall, Liverpool
- 1960: The Beatles live: Indra Club, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I was there. The performance that I attended was not inside the Coliseum, but was outdoors at the grandstand on the racetrack (mostly used for horse races), that you can see in the map image. Perhaps they thought it was quiet, but I heard almost nothing but the kids in the audience screaming.
Hi Susan. Many thanks for sharing your memories with us. It’s always interesting to hear the perspective of those who saw the group play. Maybe there was plenty of screaming, just slightly less than usual!
I’ve moved the map point to inside the racetrack area, but if you can help me pinpoint more closely where the stage was that’d be very helpful.
Joe
Joe:
Right now, I don’t remember what I may have clicked on that brought me to this particular page, but I was at the outside Beatles concert in 1964. I was 15 at the time and a neighbor lady worked for the Indianapolis Star and got 5 tickets for all of us “guys” in the neighborhood. We were all Beatles fans at the time.
I can clearly remember that we were seated in (according to your map) the large rectangular building immediately adjacent to the track at the bottom and just “right-of-center”. The stage was setup basically centered to the large rectangular building on the track. We were seated just “right-of-center” in the building and up in the 2nd tier of seating from the front.
As someone else has posted, I think this concert was the beginning of my own personal hearing loss. NOT from The BeaTles…..but, from THE GIRLS!! Their screaming was SO LOUD and at a frequency that just pierced your brain!!
As it turns out, I must have shot at least 2 or 3 rolls of film during the concert, but to this day, I have NOT been able to locate them!! Shooting that concert began a “hobby” of mine of photographing concerts for 30 years!! I have some of the most amazing concert photos of The MOODY BLUES, YES, Blue Oyster Cult, Led Zeppelin, AEROSMITH, Uriah Heep, James Gang, Bob Dylan, Jay Geils Band, Bachman Turner Overdrive and on and on and on!!
As you can see by my e-mail address, I am involved in the music business, as I was (but, differently) back then. I used to get “All Area Access” pass from the concert promoters during the 70’s and was able to take amazing photos from RIGHT ON STAGE!! If I only had the extra money, I would publish a big photo-book of my concert photos!!
Anyway…..I hope this helps you!!
Regards,
JBWilliams
Hi Jerry. Thanks for getting in touch. How lucky you were to be there. I really hope you discover those rolls of film one day!
I believe I have this poster, would like to know the value
This Grandstand is not the one that was there in 1964, where I also saw the Beatles. It was much smaller and the Beatles much more intimate in placement than they would now be. I was able to see them rather close-up because I didn’t have a seat, but rather, stood at the fence next to the Grandstand. We saw many flashbulbs going off in the press building adjacent to the Grandstand and twice the curtains parted and a shaggy-haired head would briefly appear, only to disappear at the sound of screams. Finally, it was time for the concert and I was thrilled to see the limo carrying the boys go right past me. The track being much closer to the fence at that time allowed me to get a wonderful view of George, in particular, who turned and looked out the back window as the car turned away toward the infield stage. SUCH a thrill to think I’d made eye contact.
I was there with my two older sisters. It was at the Track. I was 11, had a battle hair cut. Nothing but noise.
Hi Susan! My sister and I went to the show inside and we didn’t hear the concert either. There was very loud screaming, non-stop from beginning to end. We did however see them after their press conference and waved at us…I almost fainted!!! Lol
I was a 9 yr old boy going to see the Beatles this summer at the Indiana State Fair. However, I have very good recall of this, my first concert. I remember walking around the fairgrounds and seeing girls with Beatles buttons with words on them ‘I Love John’ ‘I Love Paul’ and such. There weren’t many girls wearing ‘I Love George’ or Ringo buttons though. My father was a pediatrician and was the doctor of the ticket manager of the State Fair and he got 4 tickets and sent his 11 yr old daughter and son to this along with our older cousin and her friend. (Very cool, dad)
The Beatles came out and played the east end of the Coliseum, which for people that saw concerts there in years following was maybe the only time anyone played this end. The west end became the common location. I remember I think John beginning to sing ‘If I Fell’ and the screaming became so loud I had to put my fingers in my ears. I mean, there is loud and there is Beatles loud. I think the beginning of my hearing loss began on this day 🙂 Since this time I have seen many major concerts but none even began to come close to the fervor of this hot summer day inside the Coliseum.
There were men in white coats running around with stretchers picking up girls who had fainted and carrying them off hurridly. Lots of girls, thousands, maybe I was the only boy in the place. And many were out of control. I just stared at them wondering what was the big deal.
It is interesting that the Beatles would later comment on this concert that it was “quite quiet” only I don’t know if they had started drugs by this time or had earplugs in because it was anything but quiet. It was unbearably loud and it never stopped, relentless.
I mostly remember just looking around at the girls who were screaming. I was in a bit of shock that someone could lose control like this over a bunch of guys up there singing. But, the impression was everlasting: THESE GUYS WERE C-O-O-L.
After this I remember guys began wearing Beatles boots. I thought they were pretty cool but parents frowned upon them because they looked like something ‘hoods’ would wear.
After the concert ended, we exited the southeast corner of the Coliseum. As we walked away there was a sudden shrilly, high pitched scream that went up and I turned to see what had happened, only to find a surge coming towards me that to this day kind of gives me chills. It was the feeling being trampled underfoot and it was not pleasant. I looked up and there was a surge of girls then the Beatles were running right past us, within 3 feet, and got into a black car that was parked nearby. I have a memory of one of the Beatles brushing against me slightly as the cops cleared their way for them. It was thrilling in a sense, but it was over in maybe 10 seconds. But how thrilling can it be for a 9 year old, anyway? Wish I’d been a few years older.
This is one of the memories you have in your lifetime that cannot be erased and I would say that nobody will ever cause a commotion and stir that the Beatles did. And the decibels of the screams given Elvis, especially Michael Jackson, don’t approach the levels given the Beatles.
One of a kind. Originals. The best.
Larry – thanks so much for that account! I love to hear from people who were lucky enough to see The Beatles live. I was born six years after they split up, so can only imagine the excitement.
I am looking for information about these shows. If you were there, please email me at dh1964indy@hotmail.com.
I went to both concerts and the above facts are not exactly correct. I was 14 at the time and was seated stage left in the green box seats. The stage was at the WEST end of the coliseum for the aftenoon concert and the evening concert was at the grandstand at the dirt track (north) across the street. I worked for the fairboard and fairgrounds through high school and college in the coliseum and know the building very well. The sound system in the coliseum was large and always excellent (same sound company as the Speedway-Webb) and that is why the Beatles probably could somewhat hear their music. But trust be both concerts were very loud with the screeming but you could always hear the music-see and hear the live video and sounds tracks from the coliseum concerts. The Beatles exited the west end and south end back)-probably through the dressing room of the coliseum via the tunnel under the stands per the manager at the time. -trust me folks I know this building well. Both concerts seem long but actually lasted 45 min. Very Very hot (no AC in those days) in the coliseum, the grandstand was at night and was more bearable. I have two of the wooden seats in my basement that we replaced years ago.
I have an original color concert poster advertising this concert. Do you know what it is worth.
Hi Tim. The best thing would be to take it to an auction house for a valuation. As a rule, I’d imagine the value depends on how many were made, how many still exist and what condition it’s in.
If you’re able to scan or take a good photo of the poster, I’d love to feature it here. Please contact me via the link at the foot of this page.
I was at the concert in the early evening. I remember lots of sailors were there in white uniforms. We were sitting up high in the stands, indoors, and had a good view of the stage and whole crowd. I don’t know directions, but the stage was to our left. It was the first time I had been back to the Coliseum since the horrible explosion the year before. What impressed me the most about the Beatles was how polite they were and professional in their performance. They bowed all together after each song. Their hair seemed so long and you could see why they were called mop-tops. It seems funny now to think how much fuss was created by their appearance. There was a lot of screaming, but not right near us, as we were mostly adults in that area, and we could hear the music well enough. It was a wonderful show, and I’m so glad to have seen the Beatles live.
I have a copy of the concert, taken directly from the sound board! If interested email me @ russportelli@gmail.com
I was inside the Coliseum that day in Indy. My buddy and I had front row seats. The Beatles were all dressed in gray nauru jackets and pants. I don’t possibly know why the fab four thought the crowd was “quite quiet”.
The thousands of screaming girls were so loud and it never let up…we could barely hear the songs they were playing, yet we were only 30 feet away from the stage! It was a moment in time I will never forget!
At the first performance inside, they started letting the crowd into the lobby. But were not letting anyone go to their seats. Alot of pushing and shoving. Saw a guys arm break a window glass. Remember at least one kid knocked down. Fortunately they quickly yelled to let them go to the seats. It was pretty scary. I was 16. Could have been a tragedy. I was ready to leave!
Glad my older brother talked me into staying! It was a great thrill to see The Beatles live!
My father was the MC for the second show in the grandstands, WIBC morning DJ Bouncin Bill Baker. We live on the north west side of town behind Broadmoor golf course. We had a police escort to the concert from our home and when we arrived in my fathers Greenbrier van painted up with WIBC logos and Bouncin Bill Baker signs all over a crowd swarmed the van thinking that The Beatles were inside, my brothers and I loved it but my mother was a little worried. I was only six but I remembered it well and sitting in the second row from the stage, girls kept pushing everyone as I stood on the wooded chair to get a better look. My father came out on stage wearing a green Nehru jacket and a Beatles wig, which Ringo took off his head when they came out! My older brother was fortunate enough to meet all The Beatles back stage in their dressing room. It was a great memory of a magical evening, I’m still hoping to find someone who might have taken a picture with my father on stage that night and get a copy for our entire family. We still have a complete roll of Beatle wallpaper from the radio station left over and other memorabilia, which my sister is avid collector. A very fond memory! My Best Brad W. Baker
Thinking of Dad today Too! One of my Dad’s fondest memories was the Beatles Show. Wherever he went, that was always THE question to which he was delighted to talk about. Although it happened before my time- I enjoyed hearing about the show and my brothers scared and standing on their chairs to see the show.
Your dad was a legend! Such a cool memory!
You have the Google map of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. As you zoom in, it shows the damage caused by the winds that caused the deaths of several people during a concert where the stage collapsed a few years ago.
One of the shows had a troop of Sea Scouts in front of the band stand, I know, I was one of them.
I too was at the early show in the coliseum and I was one of the screaming girls. I really loved the music so I tried not to be so loud that I couldn’t hear anything. It didn’t matter though, everyone around me and my friend were so loud we couldn’t hear much else. My father drove us up from Lexington, Ky. and we barely got there in time for the seating. I remember Jackie De Shannon wearing a bright blue fringed disco dress right before the Beatles came out. When they came out and started singing it was so surreal I couldn’t believe I was really seeing them in front of me. The memory maybe a little faded but some parts I remember so well. We couldn’t get tickets for the second show but my Dad let us hang around the fence by the tunnel where they were driven out to the stage area in a black limo. I was a huge George fan and he actually waved at us as they drove by, it was magical, there are no other words. After that my friends and fellow outcasts at our preppy school had Beatle parties where we shared bootleg records and videos not yet released in the states. Someone’s dad went to Europe and brought them back for us. It was huge in my life to be there and some of my best memories.
I was there at the evening grandstand show. Seventeen years old and traveled from Greenville Ohio just to see the fair. Didn’t know the Beatles were going to be there. Seem to remember that the evening show was added due to big demand for first show. Was in upper left of stage seating. Don’t remember it being overly crowded or loud. Picked up a poster to take home to my older sister.
Having read all this, I agree that the indoors show was the afternoon show. Just listen to the recording when Paul automatically says *Good evening’, followed by the more correct ‘Afternoon’.
In the video from this show, I can see at least two people with film cameras in their hands, hope they turn up one day. The films, that is.
During the Can´t buy me love solo, you will see a real -perhaps the only- close-up of Ringo´s bass drum pedal at hard work. If I fell, introduced as ‘If I fell -over’, works particularly well here. Good song it is.
And Ringo has some fun of his own when he interrupts Paul´s intro to Boys by shouting a fake count-in ‘One-two-three-four” and taking a bow, as if the song was over already!
I was there in 1964. 10 rows in front of the stage with my girlfriends. I know Ringo was looking at ME. LOL
Thank you again for these memories. I also attended the grandstand show and remember exactly when the Beatles car [large dark green Oldsmobile I think] turned onto the track and headed toward the stage area. There were about a a dozen cops jogging on each side of the car as it worked its way behind the stage. Soon after the Sheriff went on stage to cite the rules of engagement, we were all very excited. In the middle of that speech one Beatle, George I think, ran behind him and waved at the crowd… which went wild! The Sheriff had lost control and we never got to find out what the remaining rules were. I remembered I had to listen very hard to try to figure out which song they were playing. I knew them all by heart and was surprised I was having trouble identifying them through the fan noise. I went to Vegas a year ago and saw ticket to see a Beatles tribute band selling for over $100; and I remembered I saw the real band for just over five dollars. I was so impressed that in the Beatle’s entire USA tour that year, the only city getting TWO shows was good old Indianapolis, Indiana! Yes, we have lots of corn, but we got the Beatles twice!
Yep I was there. My dad was one of the troopers that hijacked Ringo. I have an original copy of the photo of them going on stage my dad is the trooper with his tongue hanging out. I have some really good stories. My dad was head of all 60 troopers assigned to the Beatles. I just recently check out the videos online. My dad is in many of them. Very cool to see him he past ten years later.
I’m still amazed that my parents allowed me at 16 years of age to go with my girlfriend, her brother and some friends, from Huntington, IN, to Indy on a school night to see the Beatles. Bless their souls. We were at the evening concert seated up high in the grandstand. In the years since I’ve worked on diesel locomotives and jet aircraft but the screaming of that crowd was by far the loudest noise I’ve ever experienced. I know there was a long line-up of opening acts but I don’t recall who any of them were. I know they were good but after a while everyone started getting restless. We were ready for the group we all came to see. When we saw that limo drive across the track and disappear behind the stage it was like the Big Bang. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
I was seven years old when The Beatles invaded America in 1964. I never had the opportunity to see them in concert, although I have seen Paul in concert. I attended a concert at the Indiana State Fairgrounds grandstand in 1986. I don’t know if the grandstand was configured the same way in 1986 as it was in 1964. But, I noticed when I was there in ‘86 that there was considerable distance between the stage and the front row of the grandstand. If by chance that was the situation in ‘64 as well, that would probably explain why The Beatles didn’t hear as much crowd noise as usual while the audience heard a lot of noise and not much music.
I was at the afternoon show in the Coliseum with a friend. We were 16, and our parents let us skip school to attend. My father drove us up from Bloomington, and I think my friend’s parents took us home. The stage was to our right. It was hard to see much because of the distance to the stage, no giant screens then, of course. The performers who came before the Beatles had a hard time because the crowd was impatient for the Beatles to come out, and it seemed to take forever. Jackie DeShannon was the only one of the opening acts I remember. Finally, George, John, Paul, and Ringo (my favorite) ran out on stage, and the crowd went wild screaming and crying. After all the anticipation, their set seemed short, but it was probably about all the songs they had at the time anyway. When it was over and we left the Coliseum, I remember seeing a thick piece of broken glass in a door and realizing how dangerous an excited crowd could be. I’ll never forget that afternoon. We we just on the cusp of the cultural 60’s in the Midwest, and this show was a huge event.
Has anyone ever located photos of the evening/outdoor show?
I have NEVER seen a photo from their second show outside at the grandstand. Do any of you lucky people who were there have any? My name is Dave and I am a Beatles Baby born in 1961. Thank you!
My brother and I attended the second show outside in the grandstand. We were seated in the second or third row just slightly to the the right of the stage on the track. I remember the Vox Super Beatle speakers blasting out what seemed directly in front of us. My brother had an earache for two days. The girls screaming was so loud it nearly drowned out the music. I remember just after the cars had pulled up behind the screen wrapped chain link fence to block the view, Ringo pulled the screen apart enough to stick his nose in the fence. He only did it for a couple seconds but those that saw him went crazy screaming.
This was our first concert, definitely unforgettable.
I was 13 and my brother was 11.
An amazing night!
This morning I met a fellow from Indianapolis who told me a story about Ringo and his time with the policeman. (this is how I came upon this site) He said the hotel where they stayed was not downtown and somewhat kept a secret. This is why Ringo, who was bored, was able to go outside and strike up a conversation with the officer. Ringo asked him what the city was like. The officer offered to take him on a tour (which probably included the speedway). This was in the late evening. During the ride the officer told him his daughter was a big fan. Ringo said well lets go see her. So they went to the officer’s house and woke her up. By this time it was early morning so they all had breakfast at the house. The officer then took him back to the hotel. Cool story if true. Cheers!
So my dad was the trooper with Ringo. The picture of them going on stage my dad’s the front .center trooper kinda got hus toungue out.I have the original of that photo