Ep. 117: When The Beatles Rocked Minnesota

In this special episode of So Much More, we take listeners back to August 21, 1965, when The Beatles performed their one and only Minnesota concert at Metropolitan Stadium — the very site where Mall of America now stands. Sixty years later, the magic of that night still echoes through music history and personal memories.

 

Our two guests share remarkable first-hand stories: Ron Butwin, who gave George Harrison a guitar that went on to become part of Beatles lore, and Bob Pratt, who, at just 10 years old, met the Fab Four and watched the concert from the dugout alongside his father.

 

Together, they share what it was like to witness Beatlemania up close, how those moments shaped their lives, and why the Beatles’ legacy still inspires new generations, especially as Paul McCartney returns to Minneapolis this fall.

 

This podcast was made possible with the help of our friends at WDGY.

 

2:00       How Ron, as an 18-year-old musician came to meet The Beatles

5:45       The story behind the guitar that was gifted to The Beatles

10:45    Ringo’s hilarious response to the gifted guitar

12:45    The story of the thank you note – and the importance of it – from George Harrison

15:00    The Beatles were notorious for following up with their fans

20:00    All about The Beatles press conference in the Twin Cities

22:45    Bob’s memories as a 10-year-old meeting The Beatles

26:45    What the concert was like for our two guests

 

For more information on WDGY The Original Rock & Roll Station visit: https://wdgyradio.com/

 

Guests: Ron Butwin and Bob Pratt, both are Beatles at Metropolitan Stadium aficionados and Minnesota music insiders/historians

 

Your hosts: Daniel Jasper

 

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.