1967

The Beatles started 1967 off with major changes. No more cookie-cutter image. They shed their Edwardian suits for bright colors and patterns and each grew a moustache. John, who had always had vision trouble, took to wearing granny glasses. Their first single of the year, “Strawberry Fields Forever” backed with “Penny Lane,” was released. Both were number one hits. They began work on their masterpiece, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” It was one of the first concept albums and they spent long hours in the studio, breaking new ground with producer, George Martin. They played new instruments and invented new sounds and ways of recording. Even the cover was spectacular, featuring a crowd of famous faces looking on as the Beatles “buried” their old style at a mock funeral. The album stayed at number one all summer and was the soundtrack to “the Summer of Love.” Also that year, the Beatles were invited to perform for the world’s first live satellite telecast, which would be seen around the world. John wrote “All You Need Is Love” for the occasion. The Rolling Stones and a cast of friends and performers sat in also to sing along. George was increasingly more interested in Eastern religion and invited the others to meet with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who was visiting Wales. While there, they received the news that their manager, Brian Epstein, was dead of an overdose. Whether intentional or not is still being debated. Another project that year was Paul’s idea of a psychedelic bus tour through England, “Magical Mystery Tour.” The TV movie they made for the BBC was considered the Beatles first flop and the album that went with it is not their best. In retrospect, the film is now considered merely ahead of its time.

Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and
John Lennon, 1967.

Yellow Submarine, 1968.

1968

They started off the year following George to India to continue their studies of Eastern philosophy with the Maharishi. Other famous friends joined them to meditate and soak up the Indian sun. They had plenty of time to write songs for their next album, called simply, “The Beatles,” or more commonly, the White Album. John became disillusioned with the Maharishi when a rumor swept the compound that he had made a pass at a girl there. He penned his thoughts on the subject in the song, “Sexy Sadie.” Back in England, the Beatles decided to start their own label, “Apple,” and began auditioning far-out new talent. Trying to fulfill their contract (unsuccessfully) with Untied Artists, they wrote music for and conceived “Yellow Submarine,” an animated romp through psychedelia. John split with his wife and began his relationship with Yoko Ono, both creating an “album” together where they appeared nude on the cover, causing a scandal. Yoko and John began to spend every moment together, causing stress in the recording studio where wives and girlfriends had never gone before.

1969-1970

To actually fulfill their movie contract, they were forced to make “Let It Be,” a documentary of them in the recording studio. The movie is difficult to watch, as the Beatles are coming apart at the seams by now. Constant bickering, stress, tiredness and lack of enthusiasm prevail. Their last live performance together takes place on the rooftop of Apple and saves the film. The album wasn’t released until after the movie came out in 1970. John asked Phil Spector to produce it, so it’s sound is unlike other Beatles albums, full of orchestration and chorals, much to Paul’s chagrin. Apple, in the meantime, was being run into the ground. The Beatles were losing money hand over fist and needed a new manager. John wanted Allen Klein, while Paul wanted his new wife, Linda’s, relatives to do it. Fighting ensued. John also got married to Yoko and they had their first “Bed-In For Peace.” The Beatles pulled it together long enough to record their last album together, “Abbey Road.” John formed The Plastic Ono Band and began touring with Yoko. After each of the Beatles had left the group then rejoined again, the finally fell apart for good in 1970 when Paul announced to the press it was over. Others blamed the new wives; the Beatles blame lack of management and wanting to pursue solo careers.

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