Prior to Beatlemania and their undeniable success across the pond, Sir Cliff admitted that he didn’t have much hope for the Liverpool band.
When asked whether he thought that would “be huge”, he replied: “Their name just sounds like something you tread on!”
Despite his cutting remark, Sir Cliff encouraged DJs to play their songs when asked about his favourite UK artist.
However, when The Beatles “broke America” after their 1964 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, Sir Cliff was furious.
He admitted to being “jealous” of their success and was upset that he had never experienced that same reception across the pond.