UK Edition 
Faintings, stage invasions: how the Beatles invented the cult of female fandom
Look at this picture of The Beatles performing at the Cavern Club in 1962. What do you notice? The cramped confines of the club? George Harrison’s youthful face, innocent of the onrushing tsunami of global fame? Now look at the audience.
Notice anything missing... boys. The Beatles were not the first performers to appeal to teenage girls – but as an enthralling new film, Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years, vividly shows, in their early years the Fab Four brought fan mania to hitherto unknown heights of hysteria.
Mass stage invasions, faintings, hospitalisations – The Beatles were the first boy band, before anyone had thought of the term. The marvellous, timeless songs might also have had something to do with it. By 1966, the clamour around them had become so great that it was impossible for the group to tour.
They retreated into the studio to record Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and a new era had begun. ‘What place,’ Paul was asked on the group’s first American tour in 1964, ‘will The Beatles have in the history of Western culture?’ ‘You must be kidding with that question!’ he replied.
‘It’s not culture. It’s a good laugh.’ Well, yes – that. But much, much more.
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years is released in cinemas on September 15