Beatles Information

About the Beatles
Formed in 1957, the Beatles exploded from Liverpool's Merseybeat scene to become recognised as probably the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band in the history of popular music.

The quartet's success was based around the song-writing duo of John Lennon (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Paul McCartney (vocals, bass guitar). Alongside George Harrison (vocals, lead guitar) and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals), the Fab Four became figureheads of the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s - their records sold in their millions and their views on issues including drugs, religion and the war in Vietnam influenced young people across the world.

After developing a sound that combined blues, country and American R&B, the Beatles began developing their live set on the emerging Merseybeat scene in Liverpool and through frequent trips to the German city of Hamburg. In 1962 the group appointed a young record shop manager called Brian Epstein as its manager and within a year he had refined both the Beatles' raw look and sound and negotiated a recording contract with EMI.

Scoring their first number one in early 1963 with Please, Please Me, there followed a period of unprecedented success and acclaim for the group - bordering on hysteria - which became known as Beatlemania. 1964 saw the group conquer America and a period of sustained touring saw them gain huge international popularity.

1966 saw the Beatles first mired in controversy after Lennon was quoted as saying that the band was ‘more popular than Jesus now'. A backlash was triggered in the US with record burnings and widespread threats against the group. The same year saw the Beatles retire from touring to concentrate on their studio work, resulting in a period of hugely successful and influential works as the Beatles experimented with different influences and instruments to a degree previously unknown in popular music. Albums such as Revolver (1966) and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) received huge critical acclaim and are today acknowledged as cultural and artistic milestones.

The death of their manager, Brian Epstein, in late 1967 heralded the beginning of the end for the band, as they began to grow apart both musically and personally. Increasingly dominated by conflict over management and direction, the Beatles nevertheless still produced albums of high quality - but by 1969 the group had virtually disintegrated. Their split was made official in 1970 and each member embarked on a successful solo career.

The Beatles' legacy and influence is still being felt around the world 40 years from their split. Internationally, it is estimated they have sold over one billion records. Their record of 15 number one albums in the UK remains a record. They have also sold more albums in the United States than any other artist. Today they continue to influence many musicians, artists and groups as well as attracting a new generation of fans with each passing year through their inclusion in the UK's national curriculum.