From international classics, song ballads, and hit dance music, the Beatles made it all. As one of history’s most iconic and influential bands, the Beatles have forever changed music and pop culture. The band consisting of the legendary lineup of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr started in 1960 in Liverpool, England, and ended their career as a band in 1970. In these 10 years, they have influenced movies, literature, artists, and musicians for decades.
Destiny struck in 1957 when sixteen-year-old rhythm guitarist John Lennon was performing with a skiffle band called the Quarrymen. While Lennon was setting up for the gig he started talking to his classmate fifteen-year-old Paul McCartney who would play a few numbers that night and eventually be offered a spot in the band. While McCartney was about to play his first official gig he got nervous and had his friend George Harrison play instead. Harrison would later audition and make it as the band’s lead guitarist and talent would shape Quarrymen and what was soon to become The Beatles.
By 1959 Lennon’s friends had left the band and he started studying at Liverpool College of Art. During this time Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison were playing in a rock and roll band. The band would go by names like Johnny and the Moon Dogs as well as The Silver Beetles and The Silver Beats. A basset who would play gigs with the group named Stuart Sutcliffe and Lennon finally came up with the name the Beatles by combining the words beat and beetles which had been used in their band’s previous names.
The band had a tremendous year in 1962. The band signed their first label with Brian Epstein who will be known to have “discovered The Beatles.” Their former basset Stuart Sutcliffs devastatingly passed away, leaving a gap in the group. They would record their first songs at EMI Studios located at 3 Abbey Road, St. Johns Wood, London. They recorded their songs “Love Me Do,” “Besame Mucho,” “Ask Me Why” and “PS I Love You” produced by George Martin. Martin would also have 21-year-old Ringo Starr who had played in local bands play the drums for the Beatles. Starr would join the band two days later, completing the Fantastic Four.
After positive reviews of their single “Love Me Do,” their single “Please Please Me” had an astronomical reaction and reached number one on all UK charts except one, on which they were second. Their rising success from their singles the Beatles were now known for their young, funny, and playful attitude which was different from all artists of the time. Because of their style, personality, and of course music, the band quickly built up a big fan base. While touring and performing around the UK the audience would be packed with screaming fans which the press would call “Beatlemania.” The band overshadowed all artists they were opening for or supporting and soon got top billing just by audience demand.
