Why John Lennon Thought The Beatles' Breakup Was the Best Thing for Their Legacy

Some of the best stories, both fiction and non-fiction, often end abruptly on a cliffhanger and or in a big ball of fire. Endings such as these aren’t necessarily cathartic, as they are not fully fleshed out. However, what they are is mystical and mythical, as they incite the question of “What if?” This is the exact type of story The Beatles‘ breakup equates to, as their legendary legacy only grew with their razor-sharp split. They didn’t trickle into old age and maybe a mediocre career. No, they soared off into the sunset like a phoenix, and the myth surrounding them benefited from it, and John Lennon agrees.

Many of the finest bands have shot themself in the foot by holding on for too long. In reality, they should have called it quits in their prime, as their legacy has been tarnished by beating a dead horse for too long. The Beatles, seemingly not on purpose, did not do this in the slightest. Did they have a lot more years left in them upon their breakup? Certainly, however, what would they have become? Quite possibly an animatronic four-piece band regurgitating their biggest hits, as we’ve seen so many classic bands become. That being so, we Beatles fans should be grateful for their split, as we will always remember them as the biggest band in the world.
How The Beatles’ Breakup Supported Their “Myth”

There is no sure-fire way to know what The Beatles’ legacy would have looked like if they had stayed together. However, John Lennon thought some extra years together would have tainted it. Prior to his passing in 1980, John Lennon sat down with the Los Angeles Times and revealed why he thought The Beatles’ breakup was the best thing for their legacy.

“I don’t know, it would have probably gone down the tubes and then been resurrected like everything else [if we stayed together],” Lennon told the publication. ” I always thought it was best to go out when you’re flying high. The popularity was always ebbing and flowing. That’s what people forget. It was only during the initial rush where everything we did was right. After that, it was up or down depending on the single or the movie or whatever.”

Source: Peter Burditt/americansongwriter.com

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