On June 16th, 1966, The Beatles appeared on the BBC television show *Top of the Pops*, marking one of their few performances on the long-running British music program. This particular appearance was significant, as the band mimed both sides of their newly released single — “Paperback Writer” and its B-side, “Rain.” At the time, miming was a common practice on television performances due to technical limitations and the desire to maintain sound quality.
“Paperback Writer,” released just days earlier on June 10, 1966, was a bold departure from the band’s earlier sound. With its driving bass line and layered harmonies, it showcased The Beatles’ increasing experimentation in the studio, influenced heavily by producer George Martin and advances in recording technology. The B-side, “Rain,” was even more groundbreaking. Featuring reversed tape effects and slowed-down instrumental tracking, it is considered one of the earliest examples of psychedelic rock. Ringo Starr’s drumming on the track is often cited as some of his finest work.
During the *Top of the Pops* appearance, The Beatles mimed to pre-recorded tracks, but their charisma and charm still shone through. They wore casual clothing rather than the matching suits of their early years, reflecting their evolving image and artistic direction. Unfortunately, like many early television appearances, the footage from this broadcast was not preserved by the BBC and is believed to be lost, though a few short clips and photos have surfaced over the years.
This appearance came just weeks before the release of *Revolver*, an album that would further revolutionize popular music. The *Top of the Pops* performance of “Paperback Writer” and “Rain” stands as a snapshot of The Beatles at a turning point — bridging the gap between pop phenomenon and studio innovators.