In February of 1964, The Beatles stood on the Ed Sullivan Show stage and ignited a revolution that would change the music industry forever. Suddenly bands from across the Atlantic began surfacing, becoming the center of the American music scene. Bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Hollies, Herman’s Hermits, and The Animals joined in this musical force known as the “British Invasion.” America fired back with it’s own set of future legends. Artists such as The Beach Boys, The Mamas and The Papas, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, and James Brown met the competition’s challenge, and ultimately helped push the bounds of the musical form to new heights.
Today, August 2, 2011, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) and SOFA Entertainment present a reissued edition of the DVD collection Ed Sullivan Presents: Rock ‘N Roll Revolution: The British Invade America, America Fights Back. This updated release features memorable Sullivan performances from the iconic groups of this revolutionary period. Hosted by Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas and Graham Nash of The Hollies, this collection is filled with exciting new bonus material and fascinating interviews with the musicians, including two previously unreleased sit-downs with legends Michelle Phillips, and David Crosby of The Byrds.
Some of the groundbreaking performances showcased on this DVD include The Beatles first ever American television appearance playing “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You”, The Rolling Stones’ classic hits “Time Is On My Side” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” and The Animals’ “Bring It On Home To Me.” From state side, The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” and The Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine” written by Bob Dylan who also serenades with his own “I Don’t Believe You”. James Brown commands the stage with a soulful “Please, Please, Please,” and The Mamas and The Papas perform “Monday, Monday.”
Below are a few highlights from some of these historic performances.