The Beatles were a highly successful and influential English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. Originally consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best, they went through lineup changes before settling on Ringo Starr as their drummer. Managed by Brian Epstein and produced by George Martin, the Beatles saw immense popularity in the 1960s with hit songs that helped define the rock era. Their popularity grew until they ceased touring in 1966 to focus on studio recordings, though conflicts over musical direction led to their eventual breakup in 1970.

1. ..“Oh I get by with a little help from my friends..” 1960 – 1970

2. Introduction and History English rock band formed in Liverpool (1960) Most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music Folk Rock, Psychedelic Pop and Classical Influenced social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s

3. Introduction and History JOHN LENNON (rhythm guitar, vocals) PAUL MCCARTNEY (bass guitar, vocals) GERORE HARRISON (lead guitar, vocals) RINGO STARR (drums, vocals) Stuart Stucliffe (bass guitar): 1960-1961 Pete Best (drums): 1960-1962

4. Formation and Early Years 16-year-old singer and guitarist, John Lennon , formed skiffle group “The Quarrymen” with Liverpool school friends (1957) 15-year-old Paul McCartney joined Lennon’s band as guitarist after meeting in July (1957) McCartney invited 14-year-old George Harrison into the band as lead guitarist (1958)

5. Formation and Early Years Excluding McCartney and Harrsion, Lennon’s school friends left the band (by 1960) Lennon attended Liverpool College of Art and met classmate Stuart Stucliffe Stucliffe joined band in 1960 and recommended that name change to “The Beetles” as tribute to Buddy Holly and The Crickets Later changed to spelling “The Beatles” (1960)

6. Formation and Early Years Lack of permanent drummer was problem for unofficial manager, Allen Williams Pete Best was hired as band’s drummer after Williams held an audition in Hamburg (1960) Band built status and reputation by performing in clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg Stucliffe left band in 1961 to continue his art studies in Germany

7. Formation and Early Years The band encountered Brain Esptein , local record store owner and music columnist, at a frequently visited club for performance Band appointed Esptein official manager (1962) George Martin signed band to EMI’s Parlophone label

8. Formation and Early Years Martin conducted band’s 1 st recording session at Abby Road Studios in London (1962) Martin complained of Best’s drumming Best was dismissed from the band and English singer, song-writer and actor, Ringo Starr took his place (1962) Starr left band “Rory Storm and the Hurricanes” to join The Beatles

9. Formation and Early Years Band established fame with first single “Love Me Do” followed by “Please Please Me” Made 1 st live TV debut performance on regional news programme Peoples and Places Lennon and McCartney established songwriting partnership Success grew and Harrison's opportunity as lead vocalist limited

10. Beatlemania and Touring Years Esptein encouraged band to be more professional and commercial performers By March 1963 “Love Me Do” and “Please Please Me” hit #2 on UK single chart 1 st recorded album Please Please Me #1 on British chart (1963) Band’s quick popularity spread created a frenzied adulation “Beatlemania!”

11. Beatlemania and Touring Years 1962 - 1966 The Beatles toured internationally, creating world-wide fame Preformed on The Ed Sullivan Show with approx. 74 million viewers Held 12 spots on Billboard Hot 100 singles chart Famous hit singles included “I Want to Hold Your Hand” “Help!” “Maggie Mae” “Let It Be” Major Motion Contracts: Help! and A Hard Day’s Night

12. Beatlemania and Touring Years After 4 th album band began to struggle with controversy and conflict in commercialism vs. creativity Album Rubber Sole proposed a more complex and mature nature of band’s songs and their meaning The clash between Lennon’s deep ingenuity and McCartney’s thirst for prominence started to become evident

13. The Breakup and Studio Years