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Beatles Anti-Segregation Contract Sells For $23K

Document from 1965 sold for thousands more than expected

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September 22, 2011 1:25 PM ET
beatles help 1965 california anti segregation
The Beatles at a press conference for the movie 'Help!' in California.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

A contract revealing that the Beatles refused to perform in front of segregated audiences in the United States has sold for $23,033 at an auction in Los Angeles, well over the $3,000 to $5,000 expected by the auction house.

Photos: Rare Beatles Pictures
The document, which was signed by the band's manager, Brian Epstein, stipulated that they would "not be required to perform in front of a segregated audience" for their gig at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California on August 31st, 1965. In addition to the desegregation clause, the contract guaranteed the band $40,000 and at least 150 police officers to provide security at the show.

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