Same. It's well known that the BBC declined to play some of their songs (was it really only three—I heard Strawberry Fields also had issues for them), & their '66 tour soured them on touring altogether). It's a pity John & Elvis didn't take to one another, but okay. It happens. John's reference to being more popular than Jesus was obviously ironic. I think some chose to interpret otherwise dues more to discomfort with rock & roll in general.

And the George thing ... a little eck.