John Lennon Says the Beatles Are ‘More Popular Than Jesus’ – Moments That Nearly Destroyed Rock

In 1966, John Lennon, in an interview with the London Evening Standard, spoke about his belief that Christianity was dying out, saying of the Beatles, "We’re more popular than Jesus now."

The quote was taken out of context in the US, prompting an enormous backlash that centered -- surprise! -- in Alabama, where two disc jockeys initiated a boycott of the Beatles that included burning their records.

The incident could have destroyed the career of the most important rock group of all time -- but the furor eventually blew over after Lennon clarified his remarks at a press conference.