Fifth Beatle details 'traumatic' aspect of group's Anthology project in new episode

Producer George Martin revealed the "traumatic" aspect of making The Beatles' Anthology in the new ninth episode of the project's docuseries.

Thirty years after the original eight-part docuseries aired, the newly restored and expanded Beatles Anthology, which now includes the ninth episode, premiered over three nights on Disney+, starting on November 26. The larger project, The Beatles Anthology 2025, also features a reissued and expanded version of the project's original three double-album Anthology records. Meanwhile, a book, originally released in 2000, has also been reissued.

Anthology Nine offers fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the reunion of the remaining Fab Four — George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr — and Martin, often referred to as the Fifth Beatle, who came together in the mid-1990s to create the project. While some have called the episode "devastated" and "heartbreaking" to watch, it was just as hard for the "Threetles" and their beloved producer to make.

In one scene of the episode, Martin is seen at Abbey Road, where he plays the "Threetles" some Anthology mixes. Later, he explains how they have all found it "traumatic" listening back to their past work.

That kind of emotional candor is exactly what director Oliver Murray concentrated on showing. He wanted to give fans a glimpse into how The Beatles felt about reuniting for the mammoth project and their legacy. As usual, Harrison has a candid response to it all, too. "The Beatles will go on in people's minds. It exists without us," he says.

He also expresses his wish that John Lennon, who was murdered at age 40 in 1980, had also been given 25 years to come to terms with being in The Beatles. "We've had the opportunity to get together again in a new light."

When The Beatles Anthology docuseries first aired in November 1995, it was a massive event as it reunited the remaining Beatles 25 years after the group's split and 15 years after Lennon's death. At the time, it featured new interviews with McCartney, Starr, and Harrison, as well as archival interviews with Lennon.

Source: Irish Star