Beatles News
Though their run was short, the Beatles amassed a career that left them with very little to regret. Though they might have had qualms shortly after their infamous breakup, in hindsight, it was a pretty stellar tenure. In fact, if Ringo Starr regrets anything it’s that they didn’t push harder to get back together. Learn more about why Starr wished he got the band back together before it was too late, below.
There was never an official Beatles reunion. The individual band members joined forces from time to time, but they never operated under that banner again. Any hopes of that happening were dashed in 1980, when John Lennon was murdered by Mark David Chapman.
Then, a couple of decades later, George Harrison passed away after a battle with lung cancer. His death firmly cemented that any Beatles reunion that might happen in the future would only be halfway complete.
Even before their breakup and those losses happened, the band had taken a step back from touring. After years of playing countless shows with roaring fans, the foursome felt their touring life had grown too complex and difficult to manage. Their solution to that problem was to retire from the stage entirely.
Source: Alex Hopper/americansongwriter.com
The Beatles’ arduous breakup often overshadows the love and camaraderie the Fab Four had for one another, but John Lennon’s go-to pep talk for cheering up the band in their early years is a heartwarming window into a time before fame, scandal, and psychedelics. Pre-Beatlemania and post-Quarrymen, the future Fab Four were hard-working musicians trying to cut their teeth.
And as anyone who has tried to dedicate their lives to music for any amount of time can attest, that endeavor can be taxing on the spirit. When that happened for the Beatles, Lennon stepped in. John Lennon’s final major interview took place in his New York City home in August 1980, just three months before Mark David Chapman would murder the ex-Beatle on the front steps of that very residence. In the sprawling conversation, Lennon talks about his perception of himself, his former band, nearly every Beatles tune, and musings that oscillate between profound and vain.
While discussing his general outlook on life, Lennon offered an example of his optimism in the face of hardship—something he exercised often throughout his tragically short life. He subtly references his “motto” in “Strawberry Fields Forever” with the line, It’s getting hard to be someone, but it all works out. “It’s like a little gag that the Beatles used,” Lennon told interviewer David Sheff.
Source: Melanie Davis/americansongwriter.com
Ringo Starr may have contributed the least in terms of songwriting to The Beatles, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a stellar drummer. In fact, there are a few songs by the Fab Four through the years that really showcase his drumming talent. Let’s look into four times Ring Starr proved he was a genius drummer for The Beatles!
1. “Something”
“Something” is one of George Harrison’s best songwriting efforts, and even marginal fans consider it one of The Beatles’ very best songs. Ringo Starr shines as a drummer on this track with drum fills that are both simple but very prominent. If you get a chance to listen to the isolated drum track, it’s really impressive. His iconic “slinging shoulder” influenced a number of rock drummers who followed in his footsteps as well.
2. “She Said, She Said”
John Lennon penned this tune for the 1966 album Revolver. One could say this song marked the band’s departure from pop music fodder and their entrance into psychedelic, experimental works. Due to an in-studio argument, Paul McCartney left and isn’t featured on the recorded track. However, Starr managed to make up for his absence with his drumming.
Starr’s rhythm on this acid-psych tune is quite underrated. He pulled out the most unique aspects of his drumming style for this track and managed to be precise and intentional.
3. “Ticket To Ride”
It’s wild to think “Ticket To Ride” was released in 1965; it was truly ahead of its time. Part of what makes this particular song so addictive is Starr’s energetic drumming. Lennon famously said that this song was the first “heavy metal” record and that much is evident in Starr’s style of drumming. The drums are heavy, effortless, and masterful.
Source: Em Casalena/americansongwriter.com
The Beatles rose and fell long before streaming music was even a thought. Today, their music is some of the most-streamed of any band in the entire world. It’s comforting, in a way. No matter when a particular beloved band exists, their music can be immortalized indefinitely through the internet. Let’s look at the top five most-streamed Beatles songs of all time, and why a whole new generation of listeners likely love them.
John Lennon’s 6 Favorite Beatles Songs
1. “Here Comes The Sun”
The 1969 Abbey Road classic “Here Comes The Sun” (specifically the 2009 remastered version) has been streamed a whopping 1.4 billion times on Spotify as of 2024. It’s not just one of the most-streamed Beatles songs of all time; it’s the most-streamed Beatles song ever.
This track is likely so deeply loved by new listeners because of its cheery, positive lyrics and excellent production quality. It’s also been used in a movie or two through the years, so some uninitiated youngins likely heard it there first.
2. “Let It Be”
The 2009 remastered version of “Let It Be” from the 1970 album of the same name has been streamed 719 million times on Spotify as of 2024.
“Let It Be” has the perfect formula for a perfect song. The chord progression is one of the most popular ones used in pop music, its lyrics are inspirational and calming, and it blends together the classic ballad with folk music and a light-classical sound. Sometimes, simple is best. “Let It Be” is one of the Fab Four’s most simple songs, but it doesn’t lack in quality.
3. “Yesterday”
Source: Em Casalena/americansongwriter.com
The other two Beatles. While Paul McCartney and John Lennon often got most of the publicity in the Fab Four, the Liverpool, England-born rock band would not have been what it became had it not been for their lead guitarist and drummer.
Yes, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were integral. And they knew it and, as a result, they believed in one another, which is why they boast some tremendous collaborations in and out of the band. Here below, we wanted to dive into three such songs. A trio of tracks that display the chemistry and synergy between Harrison and Starr. Yes, these are three of the best songs by the duo.
Such a vivid, simple song, this track is almost like a children’s storybook put to music. Written by Ringo with some help from Harrison, the song is almost like a cute episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. And while Harrison assisted on the track, he famously said of their work on it, “‘Octopus’s Garden’ is Ringo’s song. It’s only the second song Ringo wrote, and it’s lovely.” Released on The Beatles’ 1969 LP Abbey Road, Ringo also sings the song in his signature cartoonish voice, offering lyrics about playing on the floor of the ocean. He bellows,
I’d like to be
Under the sea
In an octopus’s garden
In the shade
He’d let us in
Knows where we’ve been
In his octopus’s garden
In the shade
Source:Jacob Uitti/americansongwriter.com
The entry was published in the book 'Living in the Material World' by his widow, Olivia Harrison. George Harrison's 1969 diary reveals the moments before and after he left the Beatles
The Beatles, a pioneering band known for exploring various music styles, faced a turning point one fateful afternoon. Tensions were already high among the bandmates, but a heated argument with Paul McCartney pushed George Harrison to his breaking point. Harrison, who practiced Transcendental Meditation, decided to walk away from the band. Later that day, he penned a short diary entry that has since become significant for Beatles fans.
That afternoon, the four Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—were working on their track “Get Back” at Twickenham Film Studios, with cameras recording their session. Beatles music publisher Dick James visited them and discussed Northern Songs’ recent purchase of the Lawrence Wright Music catalog with McCartney and Starr, according to BeatlesBible.
Following this, McCartney played several piano tracks for James, including “The Long And Winding Road,” “Let It Be,” “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” and “I’ve Got A Feeling.” The group then worked on “Get Back.” After lunch, however, Harrison, unable to bear the simmering tensions, walked out.
Later that day, "The Quiet Beatle" sat at his desk and penned a diary entry dated January 10, 1969. The entry recounted Harrison’s experiences and events of the day: “Got up, went to Twickenham rehearsed until lunchtime. Left the Beatles, went home and in the evening, did 'King of Fuh' at Trident Studio. Had chips later at Klaus and Christine’s, went home.” This diary entry was later published in the 2011 book “Living in the Material World” by Olivia Harrison, George Harrison's widow.
Source: Neha B./good.is
On August 23, 1964, The Beatles performed for the first time at the Hollywood Bowl. With that legendary performance, they unwittingly advanced the now-familiar outdoor concert. A gig John Lennon called “marvelous.”
“I’ve Written This Song, but It’s Lousy”: The Story Behind “I Feel Fine” by The Beatles
Martin Lewis, a renowned Beatles historian, told Variety the 1964 Hollywood Bowl show was the first of three concerts The Beatles performed at the venue. The following year, they played two more. “Obviously it not only was a big deal for The Beatles, but I think it really kicked off the outdoor rock concert. By the next year, it was stadiums and beyond,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lewis examined the period leading up to their debut at the Hollywood Bowl. He views The Beatles’ rising popularity in the United States as a pre-internet version of going viral. Said Lewis, “On Christmas Day ’63, no one had heard of them. But from then till February 9th (of 1964), in those 45 days, they’d become the biggest thing ever.” A reported 73 million people watched The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Tickets for the first show went on sale in April 1964 and sold out in less than four hours. Because fans had to purchase tickets in person, hundreds camped on Highland Avenue in Los Angeles. The line of fans stretched nearly a mile, close to Hollywood Boulevard.
Like most concerts during Beatlemania, chaos ensued during the gig. The frenzied crowd of 18,700 screamed louder than the band’s amplifiers, making it hard to hear John, Paul, George, and Ringo perform.
Source: Thom Donovan/americansongwriter.com
The Beatles arrive at Friendship Airport before performing at the Civic Center in Sept. of 1964.
On Sept. 13, 1964, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr hit a one-day stop in Charm City on their first tour of the United States, playing two concerts at the Baltimore Civic Center, now known as CFG Bank Arena.
According to the Maryland Center for History and Culture, an estimated 26,000 fans packed into the venue between the two concerts. Over 70 police officers were lined three-deep in the orchestra pit ahead of the stage.
Following the concert, the Beatles had an all-night private party at the revolving restaurant at the top of the Holiday Inn. They left by limousine to travel to Pittsburgh, the next leg of their 32-performance tour.
Source: Hannah Gaskill/baltimoresun.com
Paul McCartney is one of the most famous men on the planet today, and he could claim that kind of notoriety back in 1970 as well. You’d think his life at the time would have consisted of a series of parties and celebrations.
But due to the tumult caused by the infighting and eventual breakup of The Beatles, McCartney was much more inclined at the time to stay close to home with his wife Linda, away from the rest of the world. That desire comes to the fore on “Every Night,” one of the finest songs on McCartney, his solo debut album. A “Night” to Remember
Even though The Beatles’ breakup was announced in conjunction with the release of the McCartney album in April 1970, it had been a done deal for quite some time by that point. John Lennon had given his notice back in September 1969 at a group meeting. The band just decided not to publicize it since they still had product in the pipeline.
The breakup devastated McCartney, as he underwent a period of heavy depression and drinking in its wake. He had been the one who had tried to keep the band afloat as the members pulled in different directions. But his reluctance to go along with the other three members in choosing a business manager also caused a lot of the friction.
Source: Jim Beviglia/americansongwriter.com
Some myths apparently never die. For some, it’s called conventional wisdom.
The conventional wisdom that Yoko Ono broke up the most famous pop group in history is a myth that surely should have faded away by this point. Yet, it hangs around, like the last stubborn dinosaur taking a breath long after the comet hits.
John Lennon and Ono first met each other in 1966. At the time, The Beatles were in a stage of transition. The group had gone from mop-top uniformity into splintering paths that would yield their most iconic work, but it marked the subsequent growing apart that would spell the end of the group.
But somehow it wasn’t the group growing into different people, nor was it creative or business differences – it had to have been the woman hanging around. Ono was quite the sitting duck in the blame game that followed the group’s dissolution.
Ono is perceived as a wrench in the works of The Beatles unit, yet the group’s eventual demise was already set in motion by the time she showed up. Her frequent presence in the studio was dubbed by the other Beatles as ‘intrusive’, but there is little to suggest much intrusion beyond her mere presence and giving an opinion at the request of Lennon. George Harrison’s issue with Ono was that the ‘bitch’ took one of his biscuits during a studio session. Seriously. Perhaps she should have just stood behind Lennon like the other wives of The Beatles rather than side by side as equal partners.
Read more:
Can we please move on from thinking pop music is the best thing ever?
Often Ono is portrayed as a hanger-on, someone who was desperate for recognition and sought to hijack Lennon and the Fab Four for her own personal gain and control. But Ono was already an established, financially independent, and respected artist by the time she met Lennon. If anything, it was Lennon who would have been in thrall and eager to impress. Is it a mystery that a working-class musician from Liverpool with ambitions that far outweighed his surroundings would fall in love with someone like Ono? She would have seemed sophisticated, liberated, credible, and, rather datedly, exotic. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what the appeal was.
Source: Derek McArthur/heraldscotland.com
