The Beatles were a popular rock band formed in 1960 in Liverpool, England, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They gained fame playing in small pubs in Liverpool before performing in larger venues internationally. Some of their most famous albums include Please Please Me, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Abbey Road. They broke up in 1970 to pursue solo careers, and John Lennon and George Harrison later passed away in 1980 and 2001, respectively, while Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney continue their music careers.