Beatles News

 December 8, 2025, will mark 45 years since the senseless murder of John Lennon. And all these years later, it still remains one of rock's greatest tragedies: not only did it spell the end once and for all of any potential Beatles reunion, but also the fact that Lennon appeared to be gearing up for a highly productive creative period, after being out of the limelight for several years.

This leaves one to wonder what projects he had in the works for 1981. Over the years, quite a few people who worked closely with Lennon dropped a few hints as to what he had in the pipeline.  Lennon's biggest plan for 1981 appeared to be the launch of his first-ever substantial solo tour in support of his most recent album, "Double Fantasy," which was released on November 17, 1980, less than a month before his death.

In the 2020 book, "John Winston Ono Lennon", the bassist in Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band, Gary Van Scyoc, recalled a conversation he had with Lennon concerning this topic. "We talked on the phone, and he said, 'I'm hoping to go out. I don't know who would want to do it – whether Tony Levin [who had played on 'Double Fantasy'] would want to tour.' I said, 'Put my name on the list,' and h details

Ringo Starr’s energy shows no sign of waning, even though the celebrated musician recently turned 85. After more than six decades in the spotlight, the legendary drummer is not only still touring, he’s expanding his musical horizons in ways few could have expected, and continuing to produce more new music.

Just months after releasing Look Up, his first full-length in more than half a decade, Starr recently shared some good news via an announcement that confirms that more new work is on the way.
A Follow-Up to Look Up

In a video Starr shared recently on YouTube, the former Beatle revealed that he is already working on a new album, and the project sees him reuniting with the producer who helped him produce his latest genre-shifting effort.

“I’m in the studio here now doing another album with T Bone [Burnett]. Thank you, Lord. Woo. Yeah,” he said in the clip. He jokingly referred to the album’s working title as Look Up Two, but then added with a smile, “I don’t think it’ll be called that.”
Few Details Are Available

For the moment, details about Starr’s upcoming album are scarce, but that’s likely only because it’ details

The Beatles shocked their fans by releasing one of their most controversial albums at the height of their fame, one that stood as their first major political statement

The Beatles became one of the most successful acts in music virtually overnight with their fresh sound and incredible songs.

‌While some were unprepared for the changes the Fab Four ushered into music and pop culture at the time, diehard fans continuously fell in love with them. Besides what they brought the world in the early 1960s, they didn't truly rattle listeners until they released one of their most controversial albums, one that stood as their first major political statement.

‌In 1966, The Beatles released the album Yesterday and Today, which had a cover so grotesque that their record label pulled it. It featured the band surrounded by pieces of raw meat and decapitated baby dolls. As a result, copies featuring the original image are very difficult to come by, but one copy recently went up for auction and sold for a whopping five-figure value.

Yesterday and Today's disgusting album image seemed to come out of left field for The Beatles. They'd never done anything like it, as their previous albums had simply feature details

Ringo Starr famously stated that neither he nor his fellow Beatles bandmates (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison) could read sheet music. He humorously recalled that their biggest fear about joining a musicians' union was being forced to read music, as they were all self-taught musicians. Despite this, they achieved significant musical success, with Ringo Starr contributing both as a drummer and vocalist, and even writing and co-writing several songs. 

Self-taught musicians:
The Beatles were primarily a band that learned by ear and through experience, rather than formal music education.
Union concerns:
Starr's anecdote about the Nashville musicians' union highlights their initial apprehension about being required to read music.
Ringo's musical contributions:
Despite the lack of formal music reading skills, Ringo Starr was a vital part of the Beatles' sound, both as a drummer and vocalist.
Songwriting:
Starr also contributed as a songwriter, composing and singing "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden" and co-writing other songs.
"There are 4 drummers": The fact that Starr and the other Beatles couldn't read music didn't stop them from becoming one of the m details

Beatlemania is alive and well on Reddit, where fans have come together in harmony to declare one of George Harrison's songs as their favorite.

A Reddit thread has become a chorus of praise for with many users lauding it as Harrison's most impactful work and a pinnacle in The Beatles' storied catalog.

"Surprisingly no one said 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' yet - masterpiece," commented one enthusiast. "Not only is 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' my favorite song sung by George, it's my favorite Beatles song," another wrote.

  The acoustic rendition of the song struck a particular chord among fans. "This is my answer, specifically the acoustic version," penned one Redditor.

"The Love album acoustic version is his greatest masterpiece imo," echoed another, with several voices in the thread resonating with thoughts on how the unplugged variant allowed Harrison's vocal artistry to truly resonate.

One admirer reflected, "To me, the acoustic version shows what an incredible song it really is," while another confessed, "The album version is a classic, but IMO is way overproduced."

Another fan professed their adoration, saying, "Not only is 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' my favor details

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 t details

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

details

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 details

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 details

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 details

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 details

“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)
details

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 t details

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 details

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 al details