John Lennon's offer to Paul McCartney to reunite The Beatles years after they split Irish Star
By the time The Beatles split, tension was at an all-time high within the legendary band. The making of 1968's 'The White Album' was infamously contentious, leading to Ringo Starr walking out temporarily, and the friction didn't subside during the 'Let it Be' sessions in 1969, originally referred to as the Get Back sessions.
It was amidst this tense atmosphere that George Harrison briefly quit, discontented with his position in the band and the difficult working conditions. During a pivotal meeting on 20 September 1969, John Lennon stated he wanted a "divorce" from The Beatles, signalling the beginning of the end.
Following that bombshell, Paul McCartney retreated to focus on his first solo endeavour, his eponymous album release in 1970 serving as the death knell for The Beatles. In April 1970, alongside the launch of 'McCartney,' Paul publicised his departure through a press statement, effectively ending his future with the band.
The Beatles' final offering, 'Let it Be', landed on shelves in May 1970 – a shocking reveal following the group's official disbandment. With tracks recorded between February 1968 and April 1970, its emergence spurred additional disputes among Paul, John, Ringo, and George.
Rock and roll band 'The Beatles' drink a beer in a still from their movie 'Help!' which was released in 1965. (L-R) John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney
'The Beatles' drink a beer in a still from their movie 'Help!' which was released in 1965 (Image: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
A simmering contention throughout 1969 revolved around Allan Klein stepping in as the band's new manager, exacerbating concerns over finances and music rights.
Source: irishstar.com/Dan Haygarth
