The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)

About The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years is a 2016 documentary film directed by Ron Howard. As the title suggests, the film focuses on the Beatles' concert performances from 1963 to 1966. From their early gigs in small clubs in Liverpool to their breakthrough on a national level and onto their unprecedented global popularity, the film chronicles the band's journey and the intensity of Beatlemania.

Making / Production

The film is made up of a combination of fan-shot footage, new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and archival footage. With the use of innovative digital technology, the film was restored to excellent quality, giving audiences a view of the Beatles' touring years as never before seen.

Actors

• Paul McCartney as himself - the bassist and vocalist of the Beatles, displays emotional vulnerability as he recounts the band's history.
• Ringo Starr as himself - the drummer of the Beatles, brings a level of humor and novelty to the narrative.
• John Lennon (archival footage) - as the lead singer/guitarist, his genius creative spirit shines through.
• George Harrison (archival footage) - as the lead guitarist, his deep layers of musicality and spiritual journey add a unique dimension to the group dynamic.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film features 30 minutes of the Beatles' August 1965 concert at Shea Stadium.
• The only surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, participated in new interviews specifically for the film.
• The film's premier was broadcast live in multiple cinemas around the world.

Awards

The film garnered several prestigious awards including the Best Music Film at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.

Quotes

• "It was always John, Paul, George, and Ringo. It was not John, Paul, George, and a drummer." - Ringo Starr
• "We were just a band who made it very, very big, that's all." - John Lennon

Music, Soundtrack

• "She Loves You" - provides a snapshot to the band's early sound.
• "I Want To Hold Your Hand" - defines Beatlemania.
• "A Hard Day's Night" - accompanies some of the band's more harrowing touring sequences.