Paperback – 30 Nov. 2025 by David Guerrero (Author) or IMELDA MARCOS – WHY THE BEATLES STOPPED TOURING!!!
CAUGHT IN A MANILA FOLDER
Nineteen sixty-six was a pivotal year in the Beatles career. Not only was there a marked change in their musical development and style, but their impact as a cultural phenomenon extending far beyond their musical accomplishments was becoming increasingly more evident. Many of us are aware of John Lennon’s comments to Maureen Cleave in 1966 which caused a huge uproar in the Bible Belt States in the US. The Beatles when they made their last world tour in 1966 came to realize that their physical well-being was being threatened and in danger due to several of their comments. This coupled with their love of studio experimentation and the seeking of new ways to express their creativity in a studio-only environment gave them the excuse to hone their craft and to produce so many wonderful songs for the ages added by the factor of not having to worry about the extensive time constraints of being constantly on tour!
Those days would end in August of 1966 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.
In November of 2025 there is a book coming out that deals with a crisis that the Beatles encountered in the Philippines in 1966 where the leader of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, and his wife Imelda, felt insulted that the Beatles had seemingly displeased and ignored them by not attending a party they had been invited to by Imelda Marcos. This caused an uproar in the country, and the Beatles and Brian Epstein feared for their lives and quickly departed for a safer realm (no dictator pun intended).
Recently I saw a notification that in November of 2025 a new book about that Beatles/ Philippines incident is due to be released by David Guerrero. I have ordered a copy through Amazon UK and I look forward to receiving my copy soon.
Publisher : Penguin Random House SEA Publication date : 30 Nov. 2025
AMAZON US LINK:
Please check to verify the actual release date of the US edition as when I went to the site, one comment says a similar release date to the UK, yet on the right-hand side of the page it states it is expected in May of 2026. This prompted my ordering of the book from Amazon UK instead!
You Won’t See Me: When the Beatles Ghosted Imelda: Guerrero, David: 9789815323085: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON US DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK:
In the mid-1960s, the Philippines hosted America’s largest military bases in the region while the Vietnam War was escalating. The Marcoses were photogenic and, on the surface at least, presented as poster children for democracy; Life magazine even dubbed Ferdinand and Imelda the “Jackie and JFK” of Asia. The Beatles’ management saw the tour as a lucrative opportunity to open new markets.
Before their arrival, invitations were sent—both directly and via the local promoter—for lunch at the Presidential Palace. Whether the invitations were accepted remains disputed. On the morning of July 4, 1966, when escorts arrived to collect the band, their manager, Brian Epstein, refused to attend, leaving over 300 people, including Imelda and her family, standing on live television.
Despite two large and successful concerts, the band’s experience with official displeasure left them fearful for their security and eager to leave. A chaotic encounter at the airport with Palace guards convinced them never to return and played a key role in their decision to end touring altogether. Initially, the Beatles distinguished between their fans and the officials, but the entire visit came to be remembered as a single “bad” experience. From that point on, the band achieved greater creative heights as a studio-based group, while the Philippines—little known in the West—became defined by this infamous story.
Praise for You Won’t See Me:
“When the Fab 4 and Imelda collided, the power of Beatlemania met the political heft of the Marcoses in 1966 Manila. What could possibly go wrong? Well, just about everything, as David Guerrero brilliantly details.” —Paul French, Author, Her Lotus Year
“An indispensable addition to the Beatles literature.” —James Hamilton Paterson, Author, America’s Boy
“A cautionary tale of pride, ego, and celebrity misadventures.” —Rolling Stone Philippines
“I’m as intrigued as any fan to find out what really happened to the Beatles in Manila” —Julian Lennon
A PREVIOUS BOOK ABOUT THE BEATLES PHILIPPINE CRISIS (A LIMITED EDITION)
I wonder how the above book will match up with this limited-edition book that I purchased a couple of years ago?
I created the following post on the blog. (see link below) The book was a limited edition of 1,000 copies. I am including the link to my post about the book…The book was written by Amador F. Brioso, Jr. This book was a wonderful addition to my collection of Beatles books!
The Beatles in Manila – The Beatles Bookstore
Hope you have fun reading and checking out these two books about a crucial turning point in the career of the Beatles!
Did this help to end touring for The Beatles? What else contributed to it do you think? Let me know in the comments.
Be Healthy and Be Happy!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
Songs We Were Singing
Take A “Magical Mystery Tour” through the Beatles’ Deep Tracks. The Beatles’ music has become so ingrained in our culture that their songs have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Who doesn’t know the words to “Hey Jude” or “Let It Be”? Who hasn’t been moved by the poetry of “Eleanor Rigby” or energized by that opening chord of “A Hard Day’s Night”?
Songs We Were Singing uncovers the buried treasures that deserve a second listen.
