On this day in 1966, during a press conference, John Lennon of the Beatles apologised for his earlier comment that the band was “more popular than Jesus now.” The remark had sparked protests and album burnings across the United States.
Context and Backlash
Lennon's original statement, made in March 1966, was interpreted as a slight against Christianity. In the conservative climate of the time, it led to widespread condemnation, with some radio stations banning Beatles records and organised burnings of their albums.
The apology came amid a tour that was already fraught with controversy, including death threats and political backlash. Lennon clarified that he meant the Beatles' popularity exceeded that of any religious figure, but he regretted the phrasing.
Trivia Quiz for August 11
Today's trivia questions cover a range of topics, from music to history. Answers are provided below.
Questions
- Who sang the theme song to the Bond movie "Skyfall"? (Answer: Adele)
- What year is represented by the Roman numerals MLXVI? (Answer: 1066)
- Which Apollo mission was the first to land on the moon? (Answer: Apollo 11)
- Who created the newspaper strip cartoon Andy Capp? (Answer: Reg Smythe)
- Who did Michael Howard succeed as leader of the British Conservative party? (Answer: Iain Duncan Smith)
- In which part of the human body would you find the tibia? (Answer: Leg)
- What name is given to a female ferret? (Answer: Jill)
- In which British city would you find Trent Bridge cricket ground? (Answer: Nottingham)
- Who starred as Harry in the movie "When Harry met Sally"? (Answer: Billy Crystal)
- Who composed the opera "Tosca"? (Answer: Giacomo Puccini)
Answers for August 11
- 1. In which book of the Old Testament is the story of Joseph and his many coloured coat featured? (Answer: Genesis, Chapters 37 to 45)
- 2. During which months of the year are the Isle of Man TT races usually held? (Answer: May & June)
- 3. Which music hall singer is best known for singing the comic song "The Laughing Policeman"? (Answer: Charles Penrose)
- 4. In which Yorkshire castle was Richard II thought to have been murdered? (Answer: Pontefract Castle)
- 5. Which songs containing "Ghost" in their title were UK top 20 hits for the following artists: [a] R Dean Taylor (1974), [b] Deadmau5 (2009), [c] The Specials (1981), [d] Madness (1986) and [e] Japan (1982)? (Answers: [a] "There's a Ghost in my House", [b] "Ghosts 'n' Stuff", [c] "Ghost Town", [d] "(Waiting for) The Ghost Train", and [e] "Ghosts")
- 6. Who is known as the Father of Geometry? (Answer: Euclid)
- 7. Which breed of dog gained its name from a character in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Guy Mannering"? (Answer: Dandie Dinmont)
- 8. How many square inches are there in a square foot? (Answer: 144)
- 9. Whose backing group were called The Dakotas? (Answer: Billy J Kramer)
- 10. The Tamworth is a breed of which common farmyard animal? (Answer: Pig)
Other Features
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