It isn't so much the fact that they were banned but it was the original reasons that they were banned that is so bizarre. There are a lot of bands that have been banned throughout the years, mostly for criminal charges on their record or political "oopsies" that the person perpetrated, but the Beatles really stands out because they are largely considered to be the most successful band of all time.
There is some speculation that they were banned because Paul McCartney's father was known to have Antisemitic principals and Paul was therefore guilty by blood (which is ironic considering, you know, that Jews have been persecuted for centuries using that same logic) and there was also the "Hey Jude" title that can be considered a bit offensive but this is just happenstance and certainly was not the intention of the lyrics. Also, the Beatles manager was Jewish. So why were they banned?
I am paraphrasing here because the original text is in "lawyer-talk" but I'm gonna have a go at making it understandable.
- They were concerned that the Beatles presence would have a negative impact on the country's youth. Although the Beatles seem quite tame by today's standards, this was not an isolated opinion because the kind of hysterical reaction of people (especially women) in attendance was something that the older generation at the time found disturbing.
- a official resolution stated that the Beatles have "no artistic merit" and the head of the Education Ministry is on record stating "There is no musical or artistic experience here but a sensual display that arouses feelings of aggression replete with sexual stimuli."
These assertions seem completely ridiculous considering the fact that the Beatles pretty much swept the world off their feet with their lack of ability. But to be fair they were also rejected by Decca Records (the first label to consider signing them) in 1962 because the producers and administrators didn't feel that the Beatles had any marketable appeal. This is largely considered to be one of the greatest financial blunders of all time.
Anyway, the Beatles didn't have their ban officially removed until 2008 (although at that point only 2 members remained and I am quite certain that if they had desired to travel to Israel they would have been approved.) This apology of sorts also was an invitation to perform at Israel's 60th anniversary. Showing that there were no hard feelings, Paul McCartney performed in Tel Aviv in front of 40,000 delighted Israeli fans. I guess Ringo couldn't be bothered to go. :P
