In 1967, The Beatles’ longtime manager, Brian Epstein, died, leaving Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr to handle themselves. According to an associate of the band’s, David Puttnam, Epstein did a great deal to hold them together. After Epstein died, Puttnam said the band’s ability to make good decisions fell apart.
Paul McCartney and the rest of The Beatles made bad business moves after Brian Epstein died
After Epstein’s unexpected death, The Beatles were left to manage themselves. Puttnam, who became a film producer, said the band lacked “stability” when they lost their manager.
“I remember the moment that Brian died,” Puttnam said in the book All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Steven Gaines and Peter Brown. “Oh God, they seemed to begin to be entirely self-destructive, entirely. From that moment onwards, I don’t remember hearing from Paul a sensible word,...
Paul McCartney and the rest of The Beatles made bad business moves after Brian Epstein died
After Epstein’s unexpected death, The Beatles were left to manage themselves. Puttnam, who became a film producer, said the band lacked “stability” when they lost their manager.
“I remember the moment that Brian died,” Puttnam said in the book All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words by Steven Gaines and Peter Brown. “Oh God, they seemed to begin to be entirely self-destructive, entirely. From that moment onwards, I don’t remember hearing from Paul a sensible word,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before Ringo Starr joined The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison worked with a different drummer. Pete Best traveled to Germany with The Beatles when they played in Hamburg. Best never reaped the prolific benefits of the band’s success, though. They fired him just before hitting it big, which McCartney described as one of the most difficult things they ever had to do.
Paul McCartney said The Beatles had to make a difficult decision
In 1962, The Beatles auditioned for producer George Martin. While Martin saw potential in the band, he didn’t see a path forward for them with Best. He asked them to consider finding a new drummer.
“He agreed to audition us, and we had a not-very powerful audition in which he was not very pleased with Pete Best,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “George Martin was used to drummers being very ‘in time,...
Paul McCartney said The Beatles had to make a difficult decision
In 1962, The Beatles auditioned for producer George Martin. While Martin saw potential in the band, he didn’t see a path forward for them with Best. He asked them to consider finding a new drummer.
“He agreed to audition us, and we had a not-very powerful audition in which he was not very pleased with Pete Best,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “George Martin was used to drummers being very ‘in time,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
With The Beatles, John Lennon achieved such a high level of fame that he could set trends. The Beatles haircut became so popular that people bought wigs of it. Before fame, Lennon said he followed the fashion trends of Continental Europe. He disliked the styles in England so much that he felt embarrassed to say he was from the country.
John Lennon said he felt embarrassed to say he was British before fame
When The Beatles first became popular, Lennon said the band followed trends rather than inventing them. They enjoyed the styles coming out of Continental Europe and, through following them, popularized them in England.
“We go along with the trends, we always have done,” Lennon said in The Beatles Anthology. “To a degree we can make a trend popular — we don’t usually invent clothes, we wear something we like and then maybe people follow us. Our original style was continental,...
John Lennon said he felt embarrassed to say he was British before fame
When The Beatles first became popular, Lennon said the band followed trends rather than inventing them. They enjoyed the styles coming out of Continental Europe and, through following them, popularized them in England.
“We go along with the trends, we always have done,” Lennon said in The Beatles Anthology. “To a degree we can make a trend popular — we don’t usually invent clothes, we wear something we like and then maybe people follow us. Our original style was continental,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney wrote a large portion of The Beatles’ songs based on a variety of his personal experiences. “Let It Be” came to him after having a dream about his mother and he wrote “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” after a fan did just that. Beatles associate Alistair Taylor believed McCartney wrote a different Beatles song after a seemingly paranormal experience.
Paul McCartney wrote a Beatles song after a strange experience
In 1967, McCartney and Taylor were walking McCartney’s dog Martha in the morning. As they turned to look for Martha, they realized a man was behind them.
“We turned round to go and suddenly there he was standing behind us,” Taylor said, per the book A Hard Day’s Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song by Steve Turner. “He was a middle-aged man, very respectably dressed in a belted raincoat. Nothing in that, you may think,...
Paul McCartney wrote a Beatles song after a strange experience
In 1967, McCartney and Taylor were walking McCartney’s dog Martha in the morning. As they turned to look for Martha, they realized a man was behind them.
“We turned round to go and suddenly there he was standing behind us,” Taylor said, per the book A Hard Day’s Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song by Steve Turner. “He was a middle-aged man, very respectably dressed in a belted raincoat. Nothing in that, you may think,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the latter half of the 1960s, George Harrison began writing more songs for The Beatles. While he hadn’t had much interest in songwriting early in the band’s career, he took it more seriously in later years. He was so dedicated to songwriting that he wrote one song while reeling from jetlag.
George Harrison wrote 1 Beatles song while suffering from jetlag
In 1967, Harrison traveled to Los Angeles with his wife, Pattie Boyd, road manager, Neil Aspinall, and friend, Alex Mardas. He went from the airport to his rental home, where Beatles press officer Derek Taylor was due to meet him. Taylor was running late, though.
“By the time we got there the song was virtually intact,” Taylor said, per the book A Hard Day’s Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song by Steve Turner. “Of course, at the time I felt very bad. Here were these two...
George Harrison wrote 1 Beatles song while suffering from jetlag
In 1967, Harrison traveled to Los Angeles with his wife, Pattie Boyd, road manager, Neil Aspinall, and friend, Alex Mardas. He went from the airport to his rental home, where Beatles press officer Derek Taylor was due to meet him. Taylor was running late, though.
“By the time we got there the song was virtually intact,” Taylor said, per the book A Hard Day’s Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song by Steve Turner. “Of course, at the time I felt very bad. Here were these two...
- 2/18/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon brought a connection to former Beatles‘ drummer Pete Best to the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. While Paul McCartney and George Harrison adorned their costumes with their MBEs, Lennon did not want to do this. Instead, he reached out to Best’s family several years after unceremoniously firing him from the group. Here’s how he got a hold of his grandfather’s medals.
John Lennon requested to wear Pete Best’s grandfather’s medals on the ‘Sgt. Pepper’ cover
In 1962, The Beatles fired their drummer, Best, and hired Ringo Starr. They were too afraid to tell Best themselves, so they had their manager, Brian Epstein, let him go. Lennon admitted this was cowardly.
“We were cowards when we sacked him,” he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “We made Brian do it. But if we told Pete to his face,...
John Lennon requested to wear Pete Best’s grandfather’s medals on the ‘Sgt. Pepper’ cover
In 1962, The Beatles fired their drummer, Best, and hired Ringo Starr. They were too afraid to tell Best themselves, so they had their manager, Brian Epstein, let him go. Lennon admitted this was cowardly.
“We were cowards when we sacked him,” he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “We made Brian do it. But if we told Pete to his face,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1964, John Lennon extricated his public image from The Beatles when he published the book In His Own Write. The book, which was full of Lennon’s nonsensical poems and short stories, received acclaim from critics. It proved that even if he hadn’t been a famous musician, he may have been able to find success as a writer.
John Lennon shared his plan for life if he weren’t a Beatle
Lennon became a published author in 1964. It wasn’t necessarily something he sought out to do; he had simply amassed enough writing to fill a book.
“It’s about nothing. If you like it, you like it; if you don’t, you don’t. That’s all there is to it,” Lennon said of In His Own Write in The Beatles Anthology. “There’s nothing deep in it, it’s just meant to be funny. I put things...
John Lennon shared his plan for life if he weren’t a Beatle
Lennon became a published author in 1964. It wasn’t necessarily something he sought out to do; he had simply amassed enough writing to fill a book.
“It’s about nothing. If you like it, you like it; if you don’t, you don’t. That’s all there is to it,” Lennon said of In His Own Write in The Beatles Anthology. “There’s nothing deep in it, it’s just meant to be funny. I put things...
- 2/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
During The Beatles’ touring years, they rarely could hear how they sounded live. The band played to large audiences who screamed all the way through their shows; they could hardly even hear their own instruments, let alone their bandmates’. They often complained about this, but when they finally played a show to a quiet audience, they didn’t like what they heard.
The Beatles did not like what they heard while playing a live show
In 1966, The Beatles traveled to Japan on their tour. They had recently received death threats, which the Japanese police took very seriously. They confined the band to their hotel and closely monitored the audience at the concerts.
“There were 3,000 police for 10,000 fans,” road manager Neil Aspinall said in The Beatles Anthology. “The police were all over the place, keeping them under control.”
The show was far quieter than what the band had experienced before.
“Peeping...
The Beatles did not like what they heard while playing a live show
In 1966, The Beatles traveled to Japan on their tour. They had recently received death threats, which the Japanese police took very seriously. They confined the band to their hotel and closely monitored the audience at the concerts.
“There were 3,000 police for 10,000 fans,” road manager Neil Aspinall said in The Beatles Anthology. “The police were all over the place, keeping them under control.”
The show was far quieter than what the band had experienced before.
“Peeping...
- 2/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr took the stage during Beatles concerts, they could hardly hear themselves play. Their audience began screaming before they saw the band and rarely stopped until after the band had departed. Members of the band found this frustrating, but Lennon defended their fans. While he seems like the most unlikely defender, his wife said he felt a great deal of gratitude for Beatles fans.
John Lennon defended noisy Beatles fans
Footage of The Beatles running to take the stage during their concerts almost always includes shots of people covering their ears. The sound of screaming was so loud that the music could hardly reach the audience. Even the band couldn’t hear what they were doing.
“Screaming had just become the thing to do,” Starr said in The Beatles Anthology. “We didn’t say, ‘Ok, don’t forget, at this concert — everybody scream!
John Lennon defended noisy Beatles fans
Footage of The Beatles running to take the stage during their concerts almost always includes shots of people covering their ears. The sound of screaming was so loud that the music could hardly reach the audience. Even the band couldn’t hear what they were doing.
“Screaming had just become the thing to do,” Starr said in The Beatles Anthology. “We didn’t say, ‘Ok, don’t forget, at this concert — everybody scream!
- 2/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
During one of The Beatles’ most stressful concerts, John Lennon managed to make George Harrison laugh onstage. He began behaving in such an outrageous fashion that all of his bandmates took note. According to Lennon, his joking was so successful that Harrison couldn’t play his guitar.
John Lennon made George Harrison laugh during a Beatles concert
The Beatles’ concert at Shea Stadium in New York was their largest up until that point. They were incredibly nervous before taking the stage. Once they did, though, Lennon began to behave comically. He did a Jerry Lee Lewis impression and began playing the piano with his feet. Harrison found all this hilarious.
“I was putting my foot on it and George couldn’t play for laughing,” Lennon said in The Beatles Anthology. “I was doing it for a laugh. The kids didn’t know what I was doing.”
The Beatles | Michael Ochs...
John Lennon made George Harrison laugh during a Beatles concert
The Beatles’ concert at Shea Stadium in New York was their largest up until that point. They were incredibly nervous before taking the stage. Once they did, though, Lennon began to behave comically. He did a Jerry Lee Lewis impression and began playing the piano with his feet. Harrison found all this hilarious.
“I was putting my foot on it and George couldn’t play for laughing,” Lennon said in The Beatles Anthology. “I was doing it for a laugh. The kids didn’t know what I was doing.”
The Beatles | Michael Ochs...
- 1/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon Said His Relationship With Beatles Manager Brian Epstein Was ‘Almost Like a Love Affair’
Shortly before the birth of his first child, John Lennon went on vacation with Beatles manager Brian Epstein. While Paul McCartney believed Lennon took the vacation to assert dominance in the band, Lennon said he did it because of how much he enjoyed his relationship with Epstein. The pair had a close friendship that, according to Lennon, bordered on a love affair.
John Lennon said he had a very intense relationship with Brian Epstein
While Epstein said that he grew to love all four Beatles in equal measure, he admitted that he was closest with Lennon in the band’s early years.
“I think Paul thinks I’m closer to John than I am with him,” he said, per the book The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “It’s not really true. It was earlier on, but now I love them all equally.”
The Beatles and Brian Epstein...
John Lennon said he had a very intense relationship with Brian Epstein
While Epstein said that he grew to love all four Beatles in equal measure, he admitted that he was closest with Lennon in the band’s early years.
“I think Paul thinks I’m closer to John than I am with him,” he said, per the book The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “It’s not really true. It was earlier on, but now I love them all equally.”
The Beatles and Brian Epstein...
- 11/24/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before The Beatles were household names, they had several band members who would not stay with the group through their fame. The band fired drummer Pete Best, but they had bigger problems with the skill level of one-time bassist Stuart Sutcliffe. While they didn’t fire him — he was too good of friends with John Lennon — they didn’t want his subpar playing to affect their music. Their solution was rather mean-spirited.
The Beatles didn’t want the audience to hear one band member playing
Sutcliffe was a close friend of Lennon’s who used money he made selling paintings to purchase a bass guitar and new amps. He helped name the band and was one of Lennon’s closest friends. Despite this, he wasn’t much of a musician.
“Stuart was in the band now,” George Harrison said, per The Beatles Anthology. “He wasn’t really a very good musician.
The Beatles didn’t want the audience to hear one band member playing
Sutcliffe was a close friend of Lennon’s who used money he made selling paintings to purchase a bass guitar and new amps. He helped name the band and was one of Lennon’s closest friends. Despite this, he wasn’t much of a musician.
“Stuart was in the band now,” George Harrison said, per The Beatles Anthology. “He wasn’t really a very good musician.
- 11/16/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon and Paul McCartney played key roles in each others’ songwriting and creative processes. In The Beatles’ early years, they wrote closely together, and as they began writing more individually, they still helped bring the other’s songs to fruition. While they were important to one another, Lennon’s first wife, Cynthia, thought he needed McCartney far more than McCartney needed him.
John Lennon needed Paul McCartney for success, said his wife
Lennon had always liked music, forming bands in school and writing songs in his notebooks. Cynthia didn’t think he had much drive, though.
“I don’t think that at nineteen John had the faintest idea he would be rich or successful, or even hoped for it in the same way that some people hope to win the football pools,” Cynthia said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman. “Paul was a keen schoolboy...
John Lennon needed Paul McCartney for success, said his wife
Lennon had always liked music, forming bands in school and writing songs in his notebooks. Cynthia didn’t think he had much drive, though.
“I don’t think that at nineteen John had the faintest idea he would be rich or successful, or even hoped for it in the same way that some people hope to win the football pools,” Cynthia said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman. “Paul was a keen schoolboy...
- 10/6/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon made his name as a musician, but a friend said that he had early aspirations of success as an actor. Lennon realized this dream to some extent; he acted in films with The Beatles and took a handful of minor roles in other films. At no point did it seem that acting was his primary interest. According to a musician friend, though, Lennon dreamed of becoming an actor.
John Lennon had dreams of becoming an actor
In the early 1960s, Lennon met Cilla Black, another musician managed by The Beatles’ Brian Epstein. According to Black, Lennon had dreams of being an actor, even as The Beatles were rising to success.
“He talked about his songs, but the memory which stands out is the way he admitted he longed to become a famous actor one day,” Black said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman.
This may seem surprising,...
John Lennon had dreams of becoming an actor
In the early 1960s, Lennon met Cilla Black, another musician managed by The Beatles’ Brian Epstein. According to Black, Lennon had dreams of being an actor, even as The Beatles were rising to success.
“He talked about his songs, but the memory which stands out is the way he admitted he longed to become a famous actor one day,” Black said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman.
This may seem surprising,...
- 9/25/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon spent most of his childhood estranged from his father. By the time Lennon had risen to fame with The Beatles, he’d gone two decades without seeing the man. This changed in 1965 when Lennon’s father, Alfred Lennon, knocked on his front door. According to Lennon’s first wife, Cynthia, her husband was angry, embarrassed, and ill at ease throughout the visit.
John Lennon’s estranged father dropped in on him after years apart
In 1965, Alfred Lennon met a man who had occasionally driven The Beatles. He agreed to take Alfred to Lennon’s home, where a bewildered Cynthia answered the door.
“He was a charmer in his own way,” Cynthia said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman. “There was no way I could have shut the door on him. He looked like a tramp but he was John’s Dad. I had no...
John Lennon’s estranged father dropped in on him after years apart
In 1965, Alfred Lennon met a man who had occasionally driven The Beatles. He agreed to take Alfred to Lennon’s home, where a bewildered Cynthia answered the door.
“He was a charmer in his own way,” Cynthia said in the book Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman. “There was no way I could have shut the door on him. He looked like a tramp but he was John’s Dad. I had no...
- 9/19/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1967, Brian Epstein rushed into the studio to give The Beatles what he saw as thrilling news. He’d booked them a spot on a television program that would reach televisions around the world. Epstein saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; for the first time ever, a satellite would transmit a program worldwide. The Beatles didn’t think this was nearly as monumental as Epstein did. Their lack of interest nearly drove him to tears.
Brian Epstein almost cried at The Beatles’ lack of interest in a career opportunity
While The Beatles were putting the finishing touches on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Epstein rushed into the studio with exciting news. He didn’t often visit them during recording sessions, so everyone in the room eagerly awaited his announcement.
“With a grandiloquent sweep of his hands, he called for silence,” engineer Geoff Emerick wrote in his book Here,...
Brian Epstein almost cried at The Beatles’ lack of interest in a career opportunity
While The Beatles were putting the finishing touches on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Epstein rushed into the studio with exciting news. He didn’t often visit them during recording sessions, so everyone in the room eagerly awaited his announcement.
“With a grandiloquent sweep of his hands, he called for silence,” engineer Geoff Emerick wrote in his book Here,...
- 9/10/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1965, all four members of The Beatles received MBEs, or Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire medals. The honor surprised them, but it outraged some members of the public. People were sharply divided on whether The Beatles deserved the award. Former MBE recipients didn’t know what to make of it, either. Some were so upset that they sent their MBEs back in disgust.
MBE recipients protested when The Beatles received them
When The Beatles received MBEs, people couldn’t believe the musicians got the honor. Papers and media outlets debated whether or not they deserved them, with many outlets covering the story with scorn. Many previous MBE recipients felt the same way. George Read, a member of the Coast Guard, wrote a letter to the palace.
“I am so disgusted with the Beatles being given this award that I am considering sending mine back,” he wrote,...
MBE recipients protested when The Beatles received them
When The Beatles received MBEs, people couldn’t believe the musicians got the honor. Papers and media outlets debated whether or not they deserved them, with many outlets covering the story with scorn. Many previous MBE recipients felt the same way. George Read, a member of the Coast Guard, wrote a letter to the palace.
“I am so disgusted with the Beatles being given this award that I am considering sending mine back,” he wrote,...
- 8/20/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney and John Lennon worked closely together for years. While they had two other bandmates, multiple sound engineers, a manager, and a producer to assist them, they primarily relied on one another. While producer George Martin had a say over how their albums sounded, they reportedly never treated him with the same respect they showed one another. According to a Beatles audio engineer, Lennon and McCartney didn’t see Martin as an equal.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon didn’t treat George Martin with the respect they gave each other
In the early 1960s, Lennon and McCartney had a close working relationship. As the decade wore on, they wrote songs separately, but they were one another’s primary ally for years.
“During playbacks, John and Paul would often huddle together and discuss whether a take was good enough; they’d talk about what they were hearing and what they...
Paul McCartney and John Lennon didn’t treat George Martin with the respect they gave each other
In the early 1960s, Lennon and McCartney had a close working relationship. As the decade wore on, they wrote songs separately, but they were one another’s primary ally for years.
“During playbacks, John and Paul would often huddle together and discuss whether a take was good enough; they’d talk about what they were hearing and what they...
- 8/19/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Brian Epstein is the manager who led The Beatles through Beatlemania, but he wasn’t the first person to work with the band. Before Epstein, there was Allan Williams, who helped The Beatles secure a residency in Hamburg. They weren’t his first choice to send to Germany, though. John Lennon and one-time bassist Stuart Sutcliffe had to work hard to convince Williams, who didn’t think the band was all that good.
The Beatles’ 1st manager wasn’t impressed with the band
In 1960, Williams, a booking agent and manager, began searching for a band to perform a residency at the Indra Club in Hamburg, Germany. Williams had booked The Beatles for a number of concerts, but he didn’t think they had what it took to play in Hamburg.
“Allan was having plenty of trouble finding a band and that’s how the Beatles got involved,” Mersey Beat creator Bill Harry said,...
The Beatles’ 1st manager wasn’t impressed with the band
In 1960, Williams, a booking agent and manager, began searching for a band to perform a residency at the Indra Club in Hamburg, Germany. Williams had booked The Beatles for a number of concerts, but he didn’t think they had what it took to play in Hamburg.
“Allan was having plenty of trouble finding a band and that’s how the Beatles got involved,” Mersey Beat creator Bill Harry said,...
- 8/17/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney were the primary songwriters for The Beatles. Lennon and McCartney wrote most of the songs and, at least in the first half of the 1960s, wrote them together. While many of them became massive hits for the band, Harrison didn’t find them all that impressive.
George Harrison wasn’t thrilled by the songs John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote together
Harrison’s sister, Louise, described her brother as a people pleaser.
“George was always the one who tried to please,” she told the Saturday Evening Post in 1964 (via The Guardian). “When the fire needed more coal, he would always say, ‘Mummy, I’ll do it. Let me get the shovel.’ Or, when we’d be going to church, George would polish everyone’s boots.”
He didn’t extend the same treatment to his bandmates, though. Harrison offered a lukewarm assessment of Lennon and McCartney’s writing.
George Harrison wasn’t thrilled by the songs John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote together
Harrison’s sister, Louise, described her brother as a people pleaser.
“George was always the one who tried to please,” she told the Saturday Evening Post in 1964 (via The Guardian). “When the fire needed more coal, he would always say, ‘Mummy, I’ll do it. Let me get the shovel.’ Or, when we’d be going to church, George would polish everyone’s boots.”
He didn’t extend the same treatment to his bandmates, though. Harrison offered a lukewarm assessment of Lennon and McCartney’s writing.
- 8/5/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Keith Richards rose to fame with The Rolling Stones at the same time as The Beatles. Their success throughout the 1960s led to rumors of competition between the two bands. While they’ve both said the media blew the reported feud out of proportion, the bands tracked each others’ careers closely. Richards drew a distinction between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, calling the former a recording band. He believed that they reached their peak as performing artists before they were even famous.
Keith Richards didn’t think The Beatles were performing artists for much of their career
The Beatles stopped playing live performances in 1966. Even three years after their performance break, Richards thought touring was out of the question for them.
“I think it’s impossible for them to do a tour,” he told Rolling Stone in 1969. “Mick [Jagger] has said it before, but it’s worth repeating … the Beatles are primarily a recording group.
Keith Richards didn’t think The Beatles were performing artists for much of their career
The Beatles stopped playing live performances in 1966. Even three years after their performance break, Richards thought touring was out of the question for them.
“I think it’s impossible for them to do a tour,” he told Rolling Stone in 1969. “Mick [Jagger] has said it before, but it’s worth repeating … the Beatles are primarily a recording group.
- 7/20/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon Wrote Anguished Poems for Stuart Sutcliffe During a ‘S****y’ Time in The Beatles’ Career
John Lennon and The Beatles’ original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe became friends before their musical collaboration and remained close after Sutcliffe left the band. Before The Beatles were the biggest band in the world, they struggled to make their music career work. A frustrated Lennon wrote about these difficulties in his letters to Sutcliffe. He included original poetry that reflected his state of mind.
John Lennon sent poems to Stuart Sutcliffe
After Sutcliffe left The Beatles, he moved to Hamburg to study art. The distance between Lennon and Sutcliffe did little to impact their friendship. They wrote lengthy letters to one another, swapping jokes and stories about their lives. As time went on and The Beatles still struggled to find success, though, Lennon’s letters grew increasingly glum.
“It’s all a s****y deal,” he wrote, per the book The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “Something is going to happen,...
John Lennon sent poems to Stuart Sutcliffe
After Sutcliffe left The Beatles, he moved to Hamburg to study art. The distance between Lennon and Sutcliffe did little to impact their friendship. They wrote lengthy letters to one another, swapping jokes and stories about their lives. As time went on and The Beatles still struggled to find success, though, Lennon’s letters grew increasingly glum.
“It’s all a s****y deal,” he wrote, per the book The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “Something is going to happen,...
- 7/17/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles’ song “With a Little Help From My Friends” gave Ringo Starr a chance to sing lead vocals. He wasn’t exactly excited about it — his bandmates had to coax him into it because he lacked confidence in his singing. When they finally got him to record his vocals, Starr also had a problem with one of the lines in the song. He refused to sing it, even making his bandmates rewrite it because he feared the way fans would react.
Ringo Starr did not want to sing a line in The Beatles’ ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’
After spending an afternoon writing together, Paul McCartney and John Lennon called Starr to get him into the studio.
“It was getting near 7 o’clock, almost time to go round the corner to the Emi recording studios,” Beatles biographer Hunter Davies wrote, per Rolling Stone. “They decided to ring Ringo,...
Ringo Starr did not want to sing a line in The Beatles’ ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’
After spending an afternoon writing together, Paul McCartney and John Lennon called Starr to get him into the studio.
“It was getting near 7 o’clock, almost time to go round the corner to the Emi recording studios,” Beatles biographer Hunter Davies wrote, per Rolling Stone. “They decided to ring Ringo,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles caused a bit of controversy when they first rose to prominence, but their public image was much cleaner than many of the bands that came after them. They wore neat suits and charmed the press with their humor. Behind the scenes, though, they lived a more rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle than some might expect. According to Ringo Starr’s temporary replacement drummer Jimmy Nicol, The Beatles spent many of their nights in a haze of women and alcohol.
A temporary drummer said The Beatles’ behavior didn’t align with their public images
In order to appeal to a wide array of people, Beatles manager Brian Epstein wanted to make them seem friendly and approachable. The image fit them well, but certain details of their private lives might have surprised fans, according to Nicol. He joined the band on tour while Starr had tonsillitis.
“Paul is not the clean...
A temporary drummer said The Beatles’ behavior didn’t align with their public images
In order to appeal to a wide array of people, Beatles manager Brian Epstein wanted to make them seem friendly and approachable. The image fit them well, but certain details of their private lives might have surprised fans, according to Nicol. He joined the band on tour while Starr had tonsillitis.
“Paul is not the clean...
- 6/23/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles were massively successful and beloved worldwide, but John Lennon said he liked it when people criticized the band. He even took this position himself after the band broke up. For the most part, much of what the group did was well-received. This helped The Beatles become the biggest band in the world. While Lennon appreciated his success, he thought it would be boring if people didn’t criticize them.
Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, John Lennon | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images John Lennon said he liked it when people criticized The Beatles
By 1964, The Beatles had become the biggest band in the world. Beatlemania swept through countries. Despite their across-the-board success, Lennon said he liked it when people disliked the band.
“I don’t mind people putting us down, because if everybody really liked us, it would be a bore,” Lennon said, per The Beatles Anthology. “You...
Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, John Lennon | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images John Lennon said he liked it when people criticized The Beatles
By 1964, The Beatles had become the biggest band in the world. Beatlemania swept through countries. Despite their across-the-board success, Lennon said he liked it when people disliked the band.
“I don’t mind people putting us down, because if everybody really liked us, it would be a bore,” Lennon said, per The Beatles Anthology. “You...
- 6/3/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1964, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison prepared to embark on a world tour without Ringo Starr. At this point, Starr had been with The Beatles for two years, but they planned to temporarily replace him. He was in the hospital with tonsillitis and missed part of the tour. Starr felt incredibly hurt by this, but it might have been a small comfort to know that Harrison fought hard to cancel the tour.
George Harrison and Ringo Starr | Getty Images George Harrison wanted to cancel a tour because Ringo Starr was sick
While Starr was in the hospital, the rest of the band began working with a stand-in drummer, Jimmy Nichol.
“Ringo missed part of the tour because he was in hospital with tonsillitis,” McCartney said, per The Beatles Anthology. “We couldn’t cancel, so the idea was to get a stand-in. We got Jimmy Nicol, a session drummer from London.
George Harrison and Ringo Starr | Getty Images George Harrison wanted to cancel a tour because Ringo Starr was sick
While Starr was in the hospital, the rest of the band began working with a stand-in drummer, Jimmy Nichol.
“Ringo missed part of the tour because he was in hospital with tonsillitis,” McCartney said, per The Beatles Anthology. “We couldn’t cancel, so the idea was to get a stand-in. We got Jimmy Nicol, a session drummer from London.
- 5/16/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Paul McCartney was a teenager, his mother, Mary, died. He has often spoken about her death and the way it impacted his family and, later on, his music. McCartney said he also felt guilty for years after she died. He shared the behavior that wracked him with guilt whenever he thought about it.
Paul McCartney | David Redfern/Redferns Paul McCartney revealed he had a lot of guilt about making fun of his mother before her death
When McCartney was 14, his mother died of cancer following complications during surgery. It came as a shock to McCartney and his brother, Michael.
“My mum dying when I was fourteen was the big shock in my teenage years,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “She died of cancer, I learnt later. I didn’t know then why she had died.”
McCartney felt lost after her death. He also felt immense guilt for a relatively minor offense.
Paul McCartney | David Redfern/Redferns Paul McCartney revealed he had a lot of guilt about making fun of his mother before her death
When McCartney was 14, his mother died of cancer following complications during surgery. It came as a shock to McCartney and his brother, Michael.
“My mum dying when I was fourteen was the big shock in my teenage years,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “She died of cancer, I learnt later. I didn’t know then why she had died.”
McCartney felt lost after her death. He also felt immense guilt for a relatively minor offense.
- 5/13/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles mostly recorded their music with all four members contributing. However, sometimes a member wouldn’t be present, or someone would take on a song solo. Paul McCartney recorded one song for 1968’s The White Album without John Lennon and George Harrison, and Lennon wasn’t too pleased that he recorded without them.
John Lennon was ‘hurt’ that Paul McCartney recorded ‘Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?’ without him Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images
“Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?” debuted in 1968’s The White Album and was written and performed by Paul McCartney. At 1:42, it’s one of The Beatles’ shortest and simplest songs with very few changes in its lyrics. McCartney recorded the song with drummer Ringo Starr and producer Ken Townshend while Harrison and Lennon finished another track. However, Lennon was still upset that McCartney...
John Lennon was ‘hurt’ that Paul McCartney recorded ‘Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?’ without him Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images
“Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?” debuted in 1968’s The White Album and was written and performed by Paul McCartney. At 1:42, it’s one of The Beatles’ shortest and simplest songs with very few changes in its lyrics. McCartney recorded the song with drummer Ringo Starr and producer Ken Townshend while Harrison and Lennon finished another track. However, Lennon was still upset that McCartney...
- 5/10/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles had an extensive catalog and a relatively brief touring career; as a result, there were a number of songs they never performed live as a band. In his solo career, Paul McCartney has dusted off some previously unplayed songs in concerts, but many have still gone unperformed. Here are five songs The Beatles never performed live.
The Beatles | Edward Wing/Express/Getty Images ‘And Your Bird Can Sing’
John Lennon wrote the Revolver song “And Your Bird Can Sing” in 1966, and it has puzzled listeners since. People have speculated that the song is about anyone from McCartney to Frank Sinatra to Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull. Lennon did little to clear it up. When reflecting on the song, Lennon rolled his eyes at it.
“Another of my throwaways,” he said, per The Beatles’ official website. “Fancy paper around an empty box.”
Because The Beatles stopped touring in 1966, they...
The Beatles | Edward Wing/Express/Getty Images ‘And Your Bird Can Sing’
John Lennon wrote the Revolver song “And Your Bird Can Sing” in 1966, and it has puzzled listeners since. People have speculated that the song is about anyone from McCartney to Frank Sinatra to Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull. Lennon did little to clear it up. When reflecting on the song, Lennon rolled his eyes at it.
“Another of my throwaways,” he said, per The Beatles’ official website. “Fancy paper around an empty box.”
Because The Beatles stopped touring in 1966, they...
- 5/3/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
During an early performance with The Quarry Men, Paul McCartney realized George Harrison should take over his role in the band. Before the future Beatle was a bassist, he favored the guitar. While his skill at the instrument landed him a position in the band, he struggled to make it through his first performance. His moment of stage fright ultimately secured Harrison’s position with The Beatles.
Paul McCartney and George Harrison | Express Newspapers/Getty Images Paul McCartney couldn’t play a solo, so the band hired George Harrison
McCartney first met John Lennon after his band, The Quarry Men, performed at a church fest. He introduced himself to the group afterward and played the guitar for them. McCartney impressed Lennon and, shortly thereafter, accepted an invitation to join the band.
McCartney joined the band in rehearsals and proved he was talented enough to play a solo during his first performance with the band.
Paul McCartney and George Harrison | Express Newspapers/Getty Images Paul McCartney couldn’t play a solo, so the band hired George Harrison
McCartney first met John Lennon after his band, The Quarry Men, performed at a church fest. He introduced himself to the group afterward and played the guitar for them. McCartney impressed Lennon and, shortly thereafter, accepted an invitation to join the band.
McCartney joined the band in rehearsals and proved he was talented enough to play a solo during his first performance with the band.
- 5/3/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles first gained popularity with their short and sweet pop songs. The longest songs of their career displayed their long-form creativity. So did their short tunes. Seven of the shortest Beatles songs clocked in at less than 90 seconds. Let’s look at them from worst to best.
Note: We include only songs that appeared on their studio albums from 1963 to 1970, and we used a firm cut-off. “Golden Slumbers” at 1:31 is too long to include on our list.
(l-r) Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon | Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images 7. ‘Wild Honey Pie’ Length: 0:52
Annoyingly terrible on every level. “Wild Honey Pie” contained half-baked musical ideas (a seemingly out-of-tune guitar with a basic descending chord structure) and overly repetitive lyrics.
The Beatles stuffed one of the worst White Album songs between the far more melodic and fully-realized “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” and “The Continuing Story...
Note: We include only songs that appeared on their studio albums from 1963 to 1970, and we used a firm cut-off. “Golden Slumbers” at 1:31 is too long to include on our list.
(l-r) Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon | Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images 7. ‘Wild Honey Pie’ Length: 0:52
Annoyingly terrible on every level. “Wild Honey Pie” contained half-baked musical ideas (a seemingly out-of-tune guitar with a basic descending chord structure) and overly repetitive lyrics.
The Beatles stuffed one of the worst White Album songs between the far more melodic and fully-realized “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” and “The Continuing Story...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While touring with The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr faced fan attention so extreme that it put their safety at risk. Fans swarmed them at airports, broke through police barricades, and leapt on their cars. Luckily, they had some degree of practice for the chaos of Beatlemania. After their early shows, Lennon explained people were itching to beat them up. Here’s why.
George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney | Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images John Lennon said his band was in constant danger after shows
Before The Beatles, Lennon, McCartney and Harrison were in the Quarry Men. At their earliest shows in Liverpool, the audience’s behavior hinted at the success they would eventually find. Unfortunately, the adoration toward the band irritated some people.
“You’d go and play at the dance hall, and the real Teddy boys didn’t like you, because all...
George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney | Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images John Lennon said his band was in constant danger after shows
Before The Beatles, Lennon, McCartney and Harrison were in the Quarry Men. At their earliest shows in Liverpool, the audience’s behavior hinted at the success they would eventually find. Unfortunately, the adoration toward the band irritated some people.
“You’d go and play at the dance hall, and the real Teddy boys didn’t like you, because all...
- 5/2/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
From 1945 to 1964, John Lennon did not see or hear from his father. His parents had separated, and they had fallen out of contact, meaning that Lennon’s father was mostly absent from his life. In the 1960s, though, Lennon’s father, Fred Lennon, reached out to his son. Their meeting didn’t go as planned, but Fred gave interviews about his son. He once said that Lennon had let him down twice with his behavior.
Fred Lennon | P. Felix/Express/Getty Images John Lennon’s father said his son disappointed him twice
Though Lennon and Fred did not have a strong relationship, Fred carefully watched his son’s career progression. Over the years, he took note of two things that disappointed him.
“He’s only let me down twice,” Fred said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “Once was accepting that MBE. I wouldn’t have done it.
Fred Lennon | P. Felix/Express/Getty Images John Lennon’s father said his son disappointed him twice
Though Lennon and Fred did not have a strong relationship, Fred carefully watched his son’s career progression. Over the years, he took note of two things that disappointed him.
“He’s only let me down twice,” Fred said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “Once was accepting that MBE. I wouldn’t have done it.
- 4/29/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When John Lennon was a child, he went to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents separated. While his mother remained in his life, particularly as he grew older, he went nearly two decades without seeing his father. When he still lived with his parents, though, Lennon said he did not feel they wanted a child. He described why he saw this as both a blessing and a curse.
John Lennon | Harry Benson/Express/Getty Images John Lennon said he didn’t feel wanted as a child
When Lennon was a child, his parents separated, and he stopped seeing his father. He saw his mother now and again, though with enough infrequency that he didn’t realize how close she lived to him. He said that this led to him feeling unwanted.
“The worst pain is that of not being wanted, of realizing your parents do not need...
John Lennon | Harry Benson/Express/Getty Images John Lennon said he didn’t feel wanted as a child
When Lennon was a child, his parents separated, and he stopped seeing his father. He saw his mother now and again, though with enough infrequency that he didn’t realize how close she lived to him. He said that this led to him feeling unwanted.
“The worst pain is that of not being wanted, of realizing your parents do not need...
- 4/27/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before Ringo Starr was the drummer, The Beatles included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best. They played together as a group for two years before the band decided they wanted to replace Best with Starr. They fired him unexpectedly, and nobody could give him a straight answer about why they wanted him out. According to the band’s longtime road manager Neil Aspinall, though, Harrison was the driving force behind Best’s exit from the group.
Paul McCartney, Pete Best, George Harrison, and John Lennon | Hulton Archive/Getty Images George Harrison reportedly wanted Pete Best out of The Beatles
When Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison came to their manager, Brian Epstein, and told him they wanted to fire Best, he was unhappy with them. Best had one of the largest fan followings in the group; dropping him made little sense to Epstein.
“I knew how popular Pete was,...
Paul McCartney, Pete Best, George Harrison, and John Lennon | Hulton Archive/Getty Images George Harrison reportedly wanted Pete Best out of The Beatles
When Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison came to their manager, Brian Epstein, and told him they wanted to fire Best, he was unhappy with them. Best had one of the largest fan followings in the group; dropping him made little sense to Epstein.
“I knew how popular Pete was,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney and John Lennon fought over control of The Beatles, and they each had different approaches to leadership. McCartney admitted that he liked to think and plan, whereas Lennon liked to act on instinct. McCartney said he wished he was more like Lennon in this way. If he had been, though, The Beatles might have fallen apart.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty The Beatles bassist said he came across as calculating
McCartney said that because of his father, he was always a little cautious in everything he did.
“I’m more careful in everything,” McCartney told GQ in 2018. “My dad is a very strong factor in this. He was an ordinary working-class guy, very intelligent, very good with words, but his whole philosophy was to think it out a bit. So that, that turned out to be my sort of way.”
Happy Birthday thoughts for @johnlennon – Paul pic.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty The Beatles bassist said he came across as calculating
McCartney said that because of his father, he was always a little cautious in everything he did.
“I’m more careful in everything,” McCartney told GQ in 2018. “My dad is a very strong factor in this. He was an ordinary working-class guy, very intelligent, very good with words, but his whole philosophy was to think it out a bit. So that, that turned out to be my sort of way.”
Happy Birthday thoughts for @johnlennon – Paul pic.
- 4/20/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When The Beatles broke up, George Harrison and John Lennon were not happy with former bandmate Paul McCartney. Lennon disparaged his solo music and wrote pointed lyrics about McCartney. Harrison said that he would never work with him in a band again. They talked trash about him privately too, but they made it clear that the people they were talking to shouldn’t join in.
George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon | Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images George Harrison and John Lennon were not happy with Paul McCartney when The Beatles split
When The Beatles broke up, McCartney sued the band in order to take control of their catalog from manager Allen Klein. This, coupled with festering irritation over McCartney’s behavior in the studio, infuriated his bandmates. Lennon wrote the brutal “How Do You Sleep?” about McCartney, and Harrison said publicly that he wouldn’t want to work with McCartney again.
George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon | Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images George Harrison and John Lennon were not happy with Paul McCartney when The Beatles split
When The Beatles broke up, McCartney sued the band in order to take control of their catalog from manager Allen Klein. This, coupled with festering irritation over McCartney’s behavior in the studio, infuriated his bandmates. Lennon wrote the brutal “How Do You Sleep?” about McCartney, and Harrison said publicly that he wouldn’t want to work with McCartney again.
- 4/19/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
By 1963, the first flames of Beatlemania were ablaze, and The Beatles were on tour with Roy Orbison. Initially, Orbison was going to be the final act of the tour because of his popularity. By the time they got on tour, though, The Beatles were so popular that it didn’t make sense for anyone to follow them. This meant that Orbison played before they took the stage, which Ringo Starr admitted the band hated.
The Beatles and Roy Orbison | Bunny Atkins/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images The Beatles joined Roy Orbison on tour in 1963
The Beatles formed in 1960, and by 1963, their popularity was soaring in the United Kingdom. They went on a tour of the UK with a number of artists, including Orbison. At this point, Orbison was already a successful, established artist with hits like “Crying” and “In Dreams.”
George and @RoyOrbison on the Roy Orbison/The Beatles co-headlining UK tour,...
The Beatles and Roy Orbison | Bunny Atkins/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images The Beatles joined Roy Orbison on tour in 1963
The Beatles formed in 1960, and by 1963, their popularity was soaring in the United Kingdom. They went on a tour of the UK with a number of artists, including Orbison. At this point, Orbison was already a successful, established artist with hits like “Crying” and “In Dreams.”
George and @RoyOrbison on the Roy Orbison/The Beatles co-headlining UK tour,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr was the last musician to join The Beatles, becoming a part of the band two years after the other members. He had the fewest writing credits, which often leads people to overlook his contributions to the group. Beyond his significant musical contributions, Starr’s temperament made him a vital band member. His response to John Lennon’s drug-fueled claim that he was Jesus Christ proved this.
Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images Ringo Starr undervalued his contributions to The Beatles
While discussing the creative talents of The Beatles, Starr said that he struggled as a songwriter.
“I’m not the creative one. I know that,” he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “But people expect I must want to be. They write and say why don’t I try. I did try a couple of years ago to write two little songs, but they were such pinches,...
Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images Ringo Starr undervalued his contributions to The Beatles
While discussing the creative talents of The Beatles, Starr said that he struggled as a songwriter.
“I’m not the creative one. I know that,” he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “But people expect I must want to be. They write and say why don’t I try. I did try a couple of years ago to write two little songs, but they were such pinches,...
- 4/16/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney’s brother Michael was also a musician, but his career did not reach the same level of success as the Beatle. This couldn’t have been easy, and he began calling himself Michael McGear instead of Michael McCartney. He also denied his relationship with the singer. He told people that he wished he was related to McCartney, because it would mean he had more money.
Paul and Michael McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney’s brother was also a musician
While growing up, McCartney and Michael were both interested in music. Their father had played in a band, and he passed down his love of music to both his sons. Michael also almost joined The Beatles, but a bit of bad luck meant that the band hired Pete Best instead.
Me and my brother, Mike, with Mum. Happy #MothersDay to mothers everywhere! pic.twitter.com/abMweBw0nh...
Paul and Michael McCartney | Michael Putland/Getty Images Paul McCartney’s brother was also a musician
While growing up, McCartney and Michael were both interested in music. Their father had played in a band, and he passed down his love of music to both his sons. Michael also almost joined The Beatles, but a bit of bad luck meant that the band hired Pete Best instead.
Me and my brother, Mike, with Mum. Happy #MothersDay to mothers everywhere! pic.twitter.com/abMweBw0nh...
- 4/10/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon and his childhood friend Pete Shotton remained close for years, even after Lennon’s success in The Beatles. Shotton admitted that Lennon changed his life by giving him a new career path. Eventually, though, he decided to quit working for Lennon. He became Lennon and Yoko Ono’s personal assistant and resented the fact that they treated him like a servant.
John Lennon | Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images John Lennon gave his friend a new career path in the 1960s
Lennon and Shotton met as children and hit it off immediately. Per Billboard, another friend, Michael A. Hill, said Shotton quickly became Lennon’s “partner in mischief and mayhem.” They played in a band together and remained close throughout their school years.
Pete Shotton, Rest in Peace.
Pete was John's childhood best friend from the age of 6.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family. pic.
John Lennon | Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images John Lennon gave his friend a new career path in the 1960s
Lennon and Shotton met as children and hit it off immediately. Per Billboard, another friend, Michael A. Hill, said Shotton quickly became Lennon’s “partner in mischief and mayhem.” They played in a band together and remained close throughout their school years.
Pete Shotton, Rest in Peace.
Pete was John's childhood best friend from the age of 6.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family. pic.
- 4/9/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr joined The Beatles significantly later than his bandmates, so he didn’t live through some of their earliest experiences as a group. He also wasn’t on all the songs they recorded, though this continued to happen after he joined the band. For various reasons, Starr was not the drummer on five Beatles songs.
Ringo Starr | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images Ringo Starr plays a different instrument on The Beatles song ‘P.S. I Love You’
Soon after joining the band, Starr joined them in the studio to record “Love Me Do.” He struggled with timekeeping, though, much to the frustration of producer George Martin. Ultimately, Starr’s version of “Love Me Do” made it on the album, but he wasn’t so lucky with another song.
“They started ‘Ps I Love You.’ The other bloke played the drums and I was given the maracas,” Starr said in the...
Ringo Starr | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images Ringo Starr plays a different instrument on The Beatles song ‘P.S. I Love You’
Soon after joining the band, Starr joined them in the studio to record “Love Me Do.” He struggled with timekeeping, though, much to the frustration of producer George Martin. Ultimately, Starr’s version of “Love Me Do” made it on the album, but he wasn’t so lucky with another song.
“They started ‘Ps I Love You.’ The other bloke played the drums and I was given the maracas,” Starr said in the...
- 4/5/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon reconnected with one of his closest childhood friends while he was in The Beatles. Though they hadn’t seen each other in years, he made his friend a promise. Not long after, Lennon followed through on his promise, completely changing the course of his friend’s life. Here’s what he did to support his friend, who admitted he was going down the wrong path.
John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images John Lennon met a close friend while growing up
In 1983, Pete Shotton wrote a book about his friendship with Lennon in which he admitted that he couldn’t remember a time when he didn’t know the musician. They met as children and quickly grew close.
“My memories of the two of us go back so far that I barely remember a time when there was no John Lennon in my life,” he wrote, per Billboard.
Pete Shotton,...
John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images John Lennon met a close friend while growing up
In 1983, Pete Shotton wrote a book about his friendship with Lennon in which he admitted that he couldn’t remember a time when he didn’t know the musician. They met as children and quickly grew close.
“My memories of the two of us go back so far that I barely remember a time when there was no John Lennon in my life,” he wrote, per Billboard.
Pete Shotton,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
With The Beatles, George Harrison achieved previously unseen levels of celebrity that would likely have been impossible for him to have reached as a solo artist. The band brought him massive success, but he wasn’t necessarily sad when they broke up. When looking back on his time with the group, Harrison said he didn’t miss them. Of all The Beatles, he had the most reason to be frustrated.
George Harrison | Chapman/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images George Harrison said it was a relief when The Beatles stopped touring
Even by the mid-1960s, Harrison had grown weary of his time with the band. Touring was chaotic and sometimes even dangerous, and he couldn’t step outside without being swarmed by fans. They decided to stop touring in 1966, which he said was a relief.
“All the tours merge into one in my mind” – George pic.twitter.com/BlEFtvrh...
George Harrison | Chapman/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images George Harrison said it was a relief when The Beatles stopped touring
Even by the mid-1960s, Harrison had grown weary of his time with the band. Touring was chaotic and sometimes even dangerous, and he couldn’t step outside without being swarmed by fans. They decided to stop touring in 1966, which he said was a relief.
“All the tours merge into one in my mind” – George pic.twitter.com/BlEFtvrh...
- 4/2/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison penned the lyrics to a small percentage of Beatles songs, but he still had several hits for the band. He fought hard to have his bandmates take his songwriting seriously, and the way that they overlooked his writing severely dampened his interest in the group. Despite this, Harrison once said he didn’t write very good lyrics. Here’s what he had to say about his skill level.
George Harrison | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty George Harrison had to fight to get his bandmates to take his songwriting seriously
When Harrison first joined The Beatles, he didn’t have much interest in writing music.
“To get it straight, if I hadn’t been with John and Paul I probably wouldn’t have thought about writing a song, at least not until much later,” he told Guitar World in 1992. “They were writing all these songs, many of which I thought were great.
George Harrison | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty George Harrison had to fight to get his bandmates to take his songwriting seriously
When Harrison first joined The Beatles, he didn’t have much interest in writing music.
“To get it straight, if I hadn’t been with John and Paul I probably wouldn’t have thought about writing a song, at least not until much later,” he told Guitar World in 1992. “They were writing all these songs, many of which I thought were great.
- 4/1/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles’ cultural impact can’t be disputed, and their popularity means that fans can visit many tourist spots dedicated to the band. Their hometown of Liverpool has many of these spots, but there are other cities with Beatles tourist attractions. Here are seven places that fans of The Beatles should visit.
The Beatles | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty The Beatles’ childhood homes
Each of The Beatles grew up in Liverpool, and fans have the opportunity to visit their childhood homes. The National Trust manages John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s homes and offers a joint tour of both.
The Beatles’ debut single ‘Love Me Do’ was released on this day, 60 years ago.
A young Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon penned the song in this ordinary house in Liverpool, now cared for thanks to your support. pic.twitter.com/h3psLJmQJ0
— National Trust (@nationaltrust) October 5, 2022
George Harrison’s childhood home...
The Beatles | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty The Beatles’ childhood homes
Each of The Beatles grew up in Liverpool, and fans have the opportunity to visit their childhood homes. The National Trust manages John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s homes and offers a joint tour of both.
The Beatles’ debut single ‘Love Me Do’ was released on this day, 60 years ago.
A young Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon penned the song in this ordinary house in Liverpool, now cared for thanks to your support. pic.twitter.com/h3psLJmQJ0
— National Trust (@nationaltrust) October 5, 2022
George Harrison’s childhood home...
- 4/1/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Not many people would disagree if you said The Beatles changed everything about pop music. The musicians who hated the band might disagree on principle, but their legions of fans would defend them. The Beatles sang several songs with lyrics in other languages to their fans around the globe.
(l-r) George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr in the background as The Beatles perform in Germany in 1966 | Gerhard Rauchwetter/picture alliance via Getty Images 1. ‘Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand’
The Beatles cut their teeth playing multiple residencies in Hamburg, Germany, during the early 1960s. In his book Paul McCartney: A Life, author Peter Ames Carlin writes that Paul was the only band member who knew more than middling German when they first arrived. They all learned a lot more than the basics while they mach schau in Deutschland as they cut their hit song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” entirely in German.
(l-r) George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr in the background as The Beatles perform in Germany in 1966 | Gerhard Rauchwetter/picture alliance via Getty Images 1. ‘Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand’
The Beatles cut their teeth playing multiple residencies in Hamburg, Germany, during the early 1960s. In his book Paul McCartney: A Life, author Peter Ames Carlin writes that Paul was the only band member who knew more than middling German when they first arrived. They all learned a lot more than the basics while they mach schau in Deutschland as they cut their hit song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” entirely in German.
- 4/1/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paul McCartney and John Lennon had a fraught relationship after The Beatles broke up, but they eventually got back on friendly terms as the years passed. Still, McCartney admitted that their relationship wasn’t perfect. He said that Lennon became extremely jealous toward the end of his life. An element of jealousy had always existed in their relationship, but not to this degree.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney | Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Paul McCartney and John Lennon repaired their relationship
After The Beatles broke up, McCartney sued the band in order to wrest control from their manager, Allen Klein. This caused the inner disagreements between band members to boil over publicly, particularly between Lennon and McCartney.
As the 1970s wore on, the relationship between McCartney and Lennon became less acrimonious. McCartney spoke to Lennon about returning to Yoko Ono during their period of separation, and he visited...
John Lennon and Paul McCartney | Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Paul McCartney and John Lennon repaired their relationship
After The Beatles broke up, McCartney sued the band in order to wrest control from their manager, Allen Klein. This caused the inner disagreements between band members to boil over publicly, particularly between Lennon and McCartney.
As the 1970s wore on, the relationship between McCartney and Lennon became less acrimonious. McCartney spoke to Lennon about returning to Yoko Ono during their period of separation, and he visited...
- 3/31/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles started life as a glorified coves band, albeit a solid one. Their debut album, Please Please Me, contained precious few originals, but that method didn’t last long. Once the Fab Four began writing their own material, they changed their sound and the pop music landscape along with it. Some of the Beatles’ experimental songs retained their pop sensibilities while displaying how creative a short tune could be.
(l-r) Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison | David Redfern/Redferns 1. ‘Rain’
What seemed like a straightforward three-minute pop song B-side was really one of the most experimental Beatles songs.
First, you had Ringo Starr’s drumming. It hardly settled into a groove at any point in the song; his playing was closer to being one long fill. Ringo said ‘Rain’ is a weird track because he never played drums like that before or after.
Also, John Lennon...
(l-r) Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison | David Redfern/Redferns 1. ‘Rain’
What seemed like a straightforward three-minute pop song B-side was really one of the most experimental Beatles songs.
First, you had Ringo Starr’s drumming. It hardly settled into a groove at any point in the song; his playing was closer to being one long fill. Ringo said ‘Rain’ is a weird track because he never played drums like that before or after.
Also, John Lennon...
- 3/31/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1960s, The Beatles were the biggest band in the world, and their fans were willing to do anything to feel closer to them. This included breaking into their homes. While this seems like an extreme action to take, it happened more than once. Here are three times Beatles fans broke into their homes and stole things.
Beatles fans | Gab Archive/Redferns Beatles fans broke into George Harrison’s house more than once
Before George Harrison and his first wife Pattie Boyd married, she had moved a number of items into his home. His property had a high fence, but fans still managed to make their way onto the grounds.
“The gate was operated manually, though, and it wasn’t long before the marauding fans discovered where George lived,” she wrote in her book Wonderful Tonight. “Hordes of girls used to hang about outside, waiting for me to go out.
Beatles fans | Gab Archive/Redferns Beatles fans broke into George Harrison’s house more than once
Before George Harrison and his first wife Pattie Boyd married, she had moved a number of items into his home. His property had a high fence, but fans still managed to make their way onto the grounds.
“The gate was operated manually, though, and it wasn’t long before the marauding fans discovered where George lived,” she wrote in her book Wonderful Tonight. “Hordes of girls used to hang about outside, waiting for me to go out.
- 3/28/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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