The Beatles - Review

“Hey Jude” – A review of The Beatles. 

Has any band had as much of an impact as The Beatles had on the music industry? Whether you’re a fan or not, you cannot deny the cultural impact and influence that they had, and they are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of pop. The band was made up of the Fab Four, four lads from Liverpool, John, Paul, George and Ringo, and their blend of innovative songwriting and experimental sounds captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of listeners worldwide. So, how did it all begin?

In 1957, John Lennon formed a skiffle group known as The Quarry Men, when fortune led to a meeting between himself and Paul McCartney, who soon joined. Not long after, George Harrison joined the group, and then, in the 1960s, Ringo Starr replaced the previous drummer (Pete Best) and the Fab Four were solidified as The Beatles. In 1962, their first single, “Love Me Do” became a UK hit, launching them to fame and, of course, “Beatlemania”.

The Beatles early work was catchy yet simple; songs like “Please Please Me” and “She Loves You” were popular, but soon the sound evolved into something more complex and groundbreaking. Albums like “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Abbey Road” pushed boundaries; they were never afraid to do so, as they incorporated elements of classical and psychedelic music into their work.

It wasn’t just their music that proved popular; the cultural impact of The Beatles was unprecedented. Their influence spanned everything from fashion and film to attitudes towards young people and freedom. These were four men with the world at their fingertips – so why did it end?

Many fans of the band will tell you it was the presence of Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s girlfriend, that spelled the ending of the band, but in truth there was more at play. In 1967, Brian Epstein, the bands manager, passed away. He had been the force that had rocketed the band to fame, a stabilizing force that held the band together, and without him, business disputes and arguments around who should manage the band began.

In 1966, the band stopped touring, which allowed the members to lead more separate lives – the Fab Four were growing apart. Creative differences and leadership had a role to play too; Lennon lost interest in leading the band and McCartney took more control, which started to cause resentment, especially from Harrison.

Of course, many will blame Yoko Ono for the bands end. Lennon’s relationship with Yoko meant she was present near constantly, and this certainly caused tension between the band. In the end, it was Lennon announcing his intention to leave in 1969 that finally led to the band breaking up.

It’s strange to think that a band who was together for such a relatively short amount of time could have had such an impact on the musical world, but it is undeniable. The Beatles still have fans the world over, and their music still resonates today. The Beatles were just four lads from Liverpool who loved music and wanted to create it, and they did so much more than that – they created a legacy which will outlive us all.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

Share Article: