Beatles News
The Bavarian garden gnomes, which feature on the cover of George Harrison‘s solo album All Things Must Pass, are representations of The Beatles.
The “quiet one” of the Fab Four confirmed as much during a question-and-answer session hosted on Yahoo Chat. A fan had asked why garden gnomes were featured on the cover of All Things Must Pass, and Harrison confirmed they were representations of the four members of The Beatles. The band had split up just months before its release in November 1970. Harrison began recording the album just a month after The Beatles had officially come to an end. He did leave a nod to his former bandmates on the front cover, though, confirming the four garden gnomes are meant to represent his time in the band.
Writing online, Harrison shared: “Originally, when we took the photo, I had these old Bavarian gnomes which I thought I would put there. Like kinda… John, Paul, George and Ringo.” Fans have since called the album cover “cute” knowing the intention was to pay tribute to The Beatles.
One user, who took to the r/Beatles subreddit where Harrison’s quotes were shared, wrote: “That’s so cute. Never even considered that this was the intention.” Elsewhere in the interview, Harrison confirmed he was looking for heading into his tape library for a remaster of Living in the Material World.
Source: cultfollowing.co.uk/Ewan Gleadow
It's "nonsense" that John Lennon was the creative genius of The Beatles, while Paul McCartney was his slightly talented, but superficial sidekick, Ian Leslie says.
In John & Paul, he explores a "love story" that began at a church fair, when both were 16, and was cut short by Lennon's assassination at 40.
"They were both extraordinary, complicated, weird geniuses, and you couldn't really have one without the other,” he tells Sunday Morning. “They kind of created each other."
It took many bizarre coincidences for two amazing vocalists like McCartney and Lennon to grow up a mile-and-a-half from each other in the south of Liverpool, then come together and ignite a cultural explosion, Leslie says.
One important aspect of their connection, which they didn't talk about much, was a shared a sense of being "different", because their mothers had both died when they were teenagers.
In a "very simplistic" version of their relationship, Lennon was the one who felt things very intensely, Leslie says, but the truth behind their incredible music is that they were both ambitious and extraordinarily emotionally intense young men.
Source: rnz.co.nz
While both could be jealous and resentful, McCartney was just better at controlling and, to some extent, concealing those feelings, with a more stable personality that partly reflected his more stable family background.
The pair's incredibly intense, very creative, conflicted and tempestuous relationship is hard to put in a box, Leslie says, and more like brotherhood than friendship.
Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney can be heard comparing a Spinal Tap song to “literature” in the first trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
The clip also features Sir Elton John performing Stonehenge with the fictional band at their reunion concert in the film, on a piano that rises from underneath the stage.
Speaking in the trailer, Sir Paul says: “Pink Torpedo, that’s literature, really.”
The film is a follow-up to This Is Spinal Tap (1984), and follows David St Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) as they reunite after a 15-year hiatus.
In the trailer, introduced by Marty DiBergi (played by real life director Rob Reiner), the band’s members are seen to have launched their own cryptocurrency and worked in a shop during their time apart.
Their reunion is revealed to take place in New Orleans as a replacement for “an evening with Stormy Daniels” which was cancelled at the venue, while a scene showing them going through merchandise for the show sees the band looking at branded Tap Water.
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com/Casey Cooper-Fiske, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter
Lennon wrote “Across The Universe” years before The Beatles’ breakup, and while the song was a hit, Lennon thought something was missing. Lennon did overcome his perfectionism as the song was released, and it ended up being an underrated gem in the band’s discography. Despite his earlier struggles with the song, Lennon regarded “Across The Universe” as his best lyrics he ever wrote.
"Across the Universe" Was Inspired by an Argument Between John Lennon and Cynthia Powell
Lennon is an example of how magic can come from the most unusual places. “Across The Universe” stemmed from an argument with his first wife, Cynthia Powell, in 1967. She muttered the words “Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,” which had Lennon glued to his seat, writing the lyric in one sitting. He turned a domestic into one of The Beatles’ best hits.
The Beatles took a trip to India in 1967, and needed a song to release during that time. Lennon brought “Across The Universe” across to the studio, and was eager to work on the song. When he brought the song to the band in 1968, he explained how he was “psychologically destroyed.” The first recording session could not have been any more disjointed, as there was no vision for the song.
Source: Teguan Harris/collider.com
No musical artist exists in a vacuum. They’ve all been influenced at one point or another by someone else’s work, and those influences then get filtered into the music that they make. If they’re good enough, they might influence somebody else, further perpetuating the cycle. What’s fascinating about The Beatles and The Beach Boys is that you can point to the exact moments and songs that came from their mutual appreciation. Without them pushing each other, who knows how much amazing music we might have missed?
Parallel Brilliance
The early Beach Boys sound was very much an amalgamation of Brian Wilson’s most powerful influences. Intricate vocal harmonies a la the Four Freshmen, the peppery rock grooves of Chuck Berry, and the ornate productions of Phil Spector combined into a heady stew.
The Beatles shared the Chuck Berry influence, although they also owed a lot to Motown-style R&B as well as Buddy Holly. Their vocal harmonies were more influenced by The Everly Brothers.
The two bands quickly gained a healthy respect for each other. They also (sort of) shared an employee. Derek Taylor first worked as a publicist for The Beatles before moving to America and doing work for The Beach Boys. As a result, it wasn’t uncommon for Brian Wilson to get an early listen to the songwriting of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and vice versa.
One Song Leads to Another
1965 proved to be a catalytic year in terms of the bands influencing each other. On the 1965 Beach Boys’ album Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), Wilson included a song called “Girl Don’t Tell Me”, which he thought the Fab Four might record. That same year, The Beatles released Rubber Soul. Wilson marveled at how every song stood on its own and rose way above filler level.
He determined that The Beach Boys should try something similar. Pet Sounds was the result. Released in May 1966, the album found Wilson writing with new levels of musical sophistication. Meanwhile, the lyrics, mostly penned by Tony Asher, left behind the teenage stuff upon which The Beach Boys had previously focused.
In poker terms, Pet Sounds called the brilliance of Rubber Soul and raised it. The Beatles rose to the challenge with their 1966 album Revolver, which arrived two months after that Beach Boys’ masterpiece. Included on the record was “Here, There, And Everywhere”, a song where Paul McCartney admittedly tried to recapture the vibes of Pet Sounds classics like “God Only Knows”
Source: americansongwriter.com/Jim Beviglia
John Lennon was never one to mince his words, and he certainly didn't hold back when it came to his feelings about The Beatles' professional rivals, The Rolling Stones
Once The Beatles achieved mainstream success, the majority of the music industry started attempting to copy them in some form or another.
Being the main songwriters for the Fab Four, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were contacted by numerous bands seeking assistance in creating chart-topping hits throughout the years.
However, Lennon observed that their professional competitors, The Rolling Stones, were attempting to match their success more than any other group. Eventually, he confronted the band's lead singer, Mick Jagger, for copying their material. Lennon told Rolling Stone magazine: "I would like to just list what we did and what the Stones did two months after on every f------ album.", reports the Express.
Lennon went on to add: "Every f------ thing we did, Mick does exactly the same - he imitates us." The Imagine vocalist wasn't the only Beatles member to recognize the obvious parallels between the two groups.
George Harrison once remarked: "Mick Jagger was also there. He was always lurking around in the background, trying to find out what was happening. Mick never wanted to miss out on what the Fabs were doing."
It's understandable why Jagger wanted to monitor The Beatles closely, particularly after they had assisted The Rolling Stones in discovering a new type of success.
During the early 1960s, Jagger became familiar with the Fab Four and ultimately received a major song from them: I Wanna Be Your Man. "We knew [the Beatles] by then," Jagger recalled.
"And we were rehearsing and Andrew brought Paul and John down to the rehearsal. They said they had this tune, they were really hustlers then. I mean, the way they used to hustle tunes was great."
Lennon and McCartney approached the frontman saying: "Hey Mick, we've got this great song."
Source: irishstar.com/Callum Crumlish, Hollie Beale
“I feel so privileged to have been on this planet when the Beatles were born,” says Ozzy Osbourne. “They are and will forever be the greatest band in the world. I remember talking to Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols. He said, ‘I didn’t like the Beatles.’ I said, ‘There is something fucking wrong with you.”
1. “She Loves You” (1963)
This is the one that sucked me in. I was a 14-year-old kid with this blue transistor radio. I heard “She Loves You,” and it floored me. It was as if you knew all the colors in the world. Then someone shows you a brand-new color, and you go, “Fuckin’ hell, man.”
2. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963)
3. “I Am the Walrus” (1967)
Lennon and McCartney were like sweet and sour. Paul would be the guy who said, “It’s getting better all the time.” John would say, “It couldn’t get much worse.” I loved Lennon’s plays on words. I love any song where you can go, “I don’t know what that means,” but you understand it anyway.
4. “A Day in My Life” (1967)
5. “Hey Jude” (1968)
6. “Help!” (1965)
When I hear this, I hear Lennon thinking, “You can’t get bigger than big.” But they did. They got beyond massive. And he just goes, “Help!” because they don’t know what they’ve done. They only know how they did it.
7. “Eleanor Rigby” (1966)
“Eleanor Rigby” is fucking phenomenal. I don’t know why. I just know that every time I heard something from the Beatles, it made me feel better that day.
8. “Something (1969)
Black Sabbath were doing a residency in a bar in Zurich. It was winter, and we were driving in the van to get home for Christmas. We were homesick and had no money, one cigarette between the four of us. This song reminds me of that time, because we kept hearing it as we were going over the Alps.
Source: rollingstone.com
When you’re the child of a global icon, it’s easy for the world to expect you to follow in famous footsteps. But Beatrice Milly McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills, has charted her own course—one that’s refreshingly private and grounded. Let’s dig into what makes the story so unique, background, interests, and how she’s handled life in the shadow of The Beatles’ legacy.
A Star-Studded Beginning, Away from the Spotlight
Beatrice Milly McCartney was born on October 28, 2003, in London, England. From day one, life was touched by fame thanks to her father, Sir Paul McCartney.
With a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion, Paul McCartney is not just a music legend but a household name, having shaped the sound of a generation as a member of The Beatles and later as a solo artist.
But fame isn’t the whole story. Both Paul McCartney and Heather Mills were adamant about giving their daughter a normal upbringing. Instead of thrusting into the public eye, they worked to shield Beatrice from media attention. While celebrity kids often pop up in tabloids and on social media, she has managed to remain largely anonymous—a pretty rare feat these days.
Beatrice is Paul McCartney’s youngest child and his only one with Heather Mills. She’s got three older half-siblings from Paul’s previous marriage to Linda McCartney: Mary (a photographer and writer), Stella (a globally successful fashion designer), and James (a singer-songwriter who’s followed in the family’s musical footsteps).
Despite Sir Paul’s immense fame, Beatrice Milly McCartney’s family life was grounded in stability. The parents divorced in 2008 when she was just four, but they agreed on joint custody.
A British court ordered Paul to provide £35,000 a year in child support until completed secondary school. She spent much of her childhood living with her mom in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, away from the constant buzz of London’s celebrity circles.
Both parents have spoken about their commitment to co-parenting, and Heather Mills once described her daughter as “the best of both of us.” Even though the marriage ended publicly and contentiously, they put their differences aside for well-being.
Education: Building Her Own Dreams
Beatrice Milly McCartney attended Thomas Peacocke Community School in East Sussex, a local school far removed from the exclusive, paparazzi-filled private schools often chosen for celebrity kids. She’s currently furthering her education at the University of Cambridge—one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Talk about brains and ambition!
Interestingly, she is not following Sir Paul into music. Instead, she’s set her sights on marine biology. While she plays the saxophone as a hobby (another nod to the family’s musical flair), real passion seems to be the ocean and its ecosystems. This career path is not only noble but also shows commitment to making a difference outside of the family’s artistic legacy.
Source: brandonsrestaurant.com/Chef Gary
In the annals of music history, few artists have left as profound a mark as John Lennon. As a founding member of The Beatles and a solo artist, Lennon crafted an extraordinary legacy that transcends generations. His songs are not just melodies; they are anthems of love, peace, and introspection that continue to resonate with listeners around the globe. From the vibrant energy of his early Beatles hits to the poignant reflections of his solo career, Lennon’s music captures the essence of human experience.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 most popular John Lennon songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that have defined his illustrious career. Each song tells a unique story, offering a glimpse into Lennon’s thoughts, dreams, and ideals, and showcasing his unparalleled ability to connect with audiences. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering his work for the first time, prepare to embark on a musical journey that highlights the genius of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. Join us as we explore the timeless magic of John Lennon’s music, one unforgettable song at a time.
Table of Contents
1. Imagine (1971)
2. Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) (1970)
3. (Just Like) Starting Over (1980)
4. Woman (1980)
5. Give Peace a Chance (1969)
6. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (1971)
7. Jealous Guy (1971)
8. Mind Games (1973)
9. Power to the People (1971)
10. Working Class Hero (1970)
Source: singersroom.com/Edward Tomlin
George Harrison Invited Paul and Ringo to Join Him in a Rare Tribute to John Lennon
When George Harrison first wrote the first version of his classic song "All Those Years Ago" in 1980, he had no idea the meaning it would end up taking. He had initially written a piece for his friend Ringo Starr to sing on his own record, but the song didn't quite fit Starr's style, so after they recorded it, it seemed the song would be shelved. But then, the music world changed forever. John Lennon was ambushed by a crazed fan while walking into his apartment and was murdered in December 1980, and nothing was the same for his former bandmates after that.
Harrison was in the middle of putting together his 1981 album, Somewhere in England, when the tragedy happened, and in his grief, he was inspired to give "All Those Years Ago" a new life. He changed the lyrics to pay tribute to his late friend, and shared details about their relationship that he had never admitted before.
beatles-band-members-john-paul-george-ringo
The Beatles Song That Reunited John, Paul, George, and Ringo. One song helped The Beatles rekindle their magic when they were at their lowest. "Living with good and bad - I always looked up to you," he opened up in his song. He also praised Lennon for his musicianship and, seemingly, for his political activism, claiming that "You were the one who imagined it all - All those years ago."
You, said it all, though not many had ears
All those years ago
You, had control of our smiles and our tears
All those years ago
Paul McCartney's Song for John Lennon
Harrison wasn't the only one of The Beatles to honor John Lennon in song. Everyone knows that Paul McCartney's relationship with Lennon was very special. Their friendship was anything but simple. They went from being inseparable in their youth to becoming the most successful songwriting partnership in history, and then, for a few years, in the early '70s, they had a very public falling out. They fought each other in their songs, threw blame at each other, and had fans and friends take sides. But they never stopped caring about each other.
Source: collider.com/Val Barone
