Beatles professor embarking on pilgrimage
Guess who’s going to see Paul McCartney perform at Candlestick Park’s last concert?
Our Beatles professor James Istvanffy, that’s who.
Before the San Francisco, California stadium meets the wrecking ball, McCartney has the honour of being its final performing artist this Thursday.
And James points out to us that it’s rather fitting: the Beatles played their history-making final concert in Candlestick Park on Aug. 29, 1966.
“This is like a pilgrimage. It’s a historic event, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said James, who scored tickets for Thursday’s California concert.
“To see Paul McCartney perform live at the last place the Beatles performed live in 1966 will be a thing I’ll remember forever. It’s kind of like ‘where were you when the Ed Sullivan show was on.'”
James will be sharing his experience in a few short weeks when the Beatles course at Mount Royal Conservatory begins again. Register for the credit-free music appreciation fall course now!
And you can follow James on twitter @BeatlesUofC as he shares tweets and photos of his Bay area experience.
James began his love affair with the Beatles as a youngster and continues now teaching multi-media courses on his favourite band.
According to Calgary’s own Beatles professor, the Fab Four’s British Invasion and the effects of Beatlemania are as worthy of study as Shakespeare.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr appearing on the Ed Sullivan TV show to an estimated 73 million Americans in 1964.
“The Beatles are the most important, most influential musical performers of the 20th century and possibly all of history,” says James.
Istvanffy, who holds degrees in History and Political Science with a philosophy minor, says the Beatles continue to captivate generations of music lovers.