Why BBC Radio 1 Refused to Play the Beatles' 'Real Love'

The Beatles broke up in the early 1970s. Ever since, fans have wanted to hear new music from the Fab Four. In the 1990s, audiences got their wish – to a degree.

The release of the Beatles Anthology came with a few new tracks. Essentially these songs were John Lennon demos which were completed with the help of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. One of these songs, “Real Love,” sparked controversy when BBC Radio 1 refused to play it. Here’s why Radio 1 thought the Fab Four weren’t worth their time.

First, a little background on “Real Love.” The Beatles Bible reports the track was composed by John in 1979. At different times, he gave the song the titles “Real Life” and “Real Love.” He recorded several demos of “Real Love” with differing lyrics. Years after John’s murder, the song was released on the soundtrack of the film Imagine: John Lennon.

However, Ultimate Classic Rock reports “Real Love” wouldn’t become a Beatles song until much later. Paul, George, and Ringo worked with producer Jeff Lynne on one of the demos to finish the track. Lynne said it was a challenge to work with John’s demo.

Source: cheatsheet.com