Remembering The Beatles

Sir Paul McCartney performs onstage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center Feb. 12, 2012, in Los Angeles. The former member of The Beatles, who has gotten married and collaborated on his first ballet in the past year, turned 70 on June 18, 2012.
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The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

More than 45 years after the Beatles first invaded the U.S., snapshots of their historic 1964 tour by the late Curt Gunter have just arrived at New York's Morrison Hotel Gallery. The group made their first live American television appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," broadcast from New York on CBS (not pictured). 73 million tuned in to watch the show. The candid photos capture the young Fab Four in intimate and lighthearted moments, just as Beatlemania was reaching its most fevered pitch.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Sir Paul: McCartney and John Lennon moments before taking to the stage.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Showtime: Lennon, George Harrison, and McCartney back stage.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Mirror images: Lennon and McCartney in a reflective moment.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

While his guitar gently weeps: Harrison reclines.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Hat trick: the Beatles with manager Brian Epstein.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Lounge act: John smokes in bed.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Center stage: the Fab Four perform on their 1964 North American tour.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

The quiet one: George belts out a tune while at least one audience member appears under-enthused.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

John rocks out.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Charm offensive: Meeting Miss Indiana State Fair.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

In harmony: George, Ringo, Paul and John.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Down time: the lads hit the slots.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Horsing around: The Beatles share an equine moment.
The Photography of Curt Gunther: The Beatles First North American Tour, 1964

Curtain-raiser: Backstage moments before a show.