In the wake of John Lennon’s comments that The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus”, the South African Broadcasting Corporation issued a ban on The Beatles’ records.
The apartheid regime in the country considered the comments to be anti-religious. The ban lasted for five years, until The Beatles had broken up.
In subsequent years Lennon’s solo records remained banned by the corporation. Those by Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were permitted, however.
Last updated: 11 June 2013
Also on this day...
- 2019: The Beatles announce Abbey Road 50th anniversary reissue
- 2010: Paul McCartney live: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
- 2009: Beatles fans mark 40 years of Abbey Road photoshoot
- 1969: Recording: The End, I Want You (She’s So Heavy), Oh! Darling
- 1969: The Abbey Road cover photography session
- 1968: Recording, mixing: Hey Jude, Not Guilty
- 1966: US album release: Revolver
- 1966: US single release: Eleanor Rigby/Yellow Submarine
- 1963: Live: Candie Gardens, Guernsey
- 1962: Live: Co-op Ballroom, Doncaster
- 1961: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.