This Day in History: <br />John Lennon Sparks His<br />First Major Controversy March 4, 1966 In an interview for the London Evening Standard, <br />the Beatles front man made the comment, <br />"We're more popular than Jesus now." When published in the U.K., <br />the comment caused little stir. When it was reprinted <br />in the United States out of context, <br />it created a massive controversy <br />across the country. On the eve of a U.S. tour, <br />the band was boycotted <br />by radio DJs nationwide. During the tour, <br />the band received death <br />threats and their concerts <br />were picketed by the KKK. The controversy influenced the Beatles<br />decision to stop touring, becoming <br />a studio-only band from then on.
