John Lennon's First Major Controversy

March 4, 1966: In an interview for the London Evening Standard,
the Beatles front man made the comment,
"We're more popular than Jesus now." When published in the U.K.,
the comment caused little stir. When it was reprinted
in the United States out of context,
it created a massive controversy
across the country. On the eve of a U.S. tour,
the band was boycotted
by radio DJs nationwide. During the tour,
the band received death
threats and their concerts
were picketed by the KKK. The controversy influenced the Beatles
decision to stop touring, becoming
a studio-only band from then on.