More popular than Jesus in all of us." Adamant that he was not comparing himself with Christ, he tried to explain the decline of Christianity in the UK. Pressed for an apology by a reporter, he said: "if you want me to apologise, if that will make you happy, then OK, I'm sorry." Journalists gave a sympathetic response, and told Lennon that the Bible Belt were "quite notorious for their Christian attitude". When the tour began, it was marred by protests and disturbances. Telephone threats were received, and concerts were picketed by the Ku Klux Klan. "Daily Express" writer Robert Pitman, responding to the
The Evening News (London newspaper) July 26, 1881. It was the first popular evening paper in London. It was priced at one halfpenny, distinguishing itself from the more serious penny papers such as "The Times". The first issues were printed on light blue paper and later editions on yellow and green paper. The rivalry between halfpenny papers in the late 19th century was fierce and almost ended the "Evening News". According to some sources the paper was losing £40,000 a year. In 1894 the brothers Alfred and Harold Harmsworth bought the paper for £25,000. In 1888 Alfred had founded a paper called "Answers" that was