Why Did the Beatles Break Up? Paul's Ego and George's disrespect of Yoko

[Brian Damage]

Secrets behind the Beatles' split are about to be laid bare in the pages of rock magazine Rolling Stone, thanks to unearthed interviews with an angry John Lennon.

The Imagine singer sat down with Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner shortly after the Fab Four parted ways and revealed a few home truths about the real reasons behind the split - something the four former Beatles have rarely spoken about.

Wenner released the tapes for celebrated rock journalist Mikal Gilmore's study on what tore the band apart, which appears in the upcoming issue of the publication.

The 1970 tapes have also been released to U.S. TV news show Entertainment Tonight, which aired Lennon's comments on Wednesday.

Lennon can be heard telling Wenner, "We sold out... and I felt sick."

He also takes aim at longtime songwriting partner Paul McCartney, stating, "We got fed up with being sidemen for Paul."


Lennon suggests the Beatles break-up was a long time coming and the "music died" when they first hit the big time in the early 1960s, adding, "That's why we never improved."

And he was less than happy when his bandmates disrespected and "insulted" his wife Yoko Ono, adding, "They despised her... It seemed I had to be happily married to them or Yoko - and I chose Yoko."

Lennon goes so far as to suggest that the Beatles' most peaceful member, George Harrison, was the one who really drove wedge between Lennon and the band over his treatment of Ono.

He states, "George insulted her right to her face and I didn't hit him, I don't know why. Ringo (Starr) was alright but the other two really gave it to us. I'll never forgive 'em."

Gilmore's Why The Beatles Broke Up article appears in the upcoming issue of Rolling Stone.

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2009/08/20/10525826-wenn-story.html

[ABlairican Pie]

"Never improved"? Their music "died" in the early 60's when they hit it big??
:confused: They were the band that not only saved rock and roll after a dormant period since Buddy Holly's death, but expanded it into the stratosphere in the late 60's with 'Revolver', 'Rubber Soul', and 'Sgt. Pepper'.

[Marvo301]

"Never improved"? Their music "died" in the early 60's when they hit it big??
:confused: They were the band that not only saved rock and roll after a dormant period since Buddy Holly's death, but expanded it into the stratosphere in the late 60's with 'Revolver', 'Rubber Soul', and 'Sgt. Pepper'.
It sounds like John was bitter and angry when he made those comments. It was probably the emotions talking.

[catlover79]

It sounds like John was bitter and angry when he made those comments. It was probably the emotions talking.
That's what I think, too. Before John died, he and Paul were on somewhat civil terms. I think that even if they never made music again together, they may have been able to become friends again.

[MickeyMac]

"Never improved"? Their music "died" in the early 60's when they hit it big??
:confused: They were the band that not only saved rock and roll after a dormant period since Buddy Holly's death, but expanded it into the stratosphere in the late 60's with 'Revolver', 'Rubber Soul', and 'Sgt. Pepper'.



Before the Beatles came over rock and roll was hardly dormant.


Surf music
early Motown/Stax
Del Shannon
Roy Orbison
Gary US Bonds
Gene Pitney
The Four Seasons
Girl Groups
lots of other great tunes and artists.

I like the Beatles but they so didnt save rock and roll. It didnt need saving.

[MickeyMac]

I think the Beatles got to the point where they wanted to do their own things and experience life without each other. True there were also tensions at the end as well. Just watch the movie Let It Be. There is an interesting scene where Paul and George are arguing, and in fact George briefly walked out.

[tv star collector]

As a general rule, bands eventually split up to individually pursue careers.
The Beatles were no exception. I think it was in The Beatles Anthology
telecast that Paul compared it to army buddies going their own way to live
their own lives. And each member did enjoy a measure of success as a solo
artist.

[hippiechick60]

I think the Beatles got to the point where they wanted to do their own things and experience life without each other. True there were also tensions at the end as well. Just watch the movie Let It Be. There is an interesting scene where Paul and George are arguing, and in fact George briefly walked out.
i've never seen let it be but i think the tile of the movie specks for it self you know! it was just like a bad marriage i mean they'll always be "band members" but they'll never really be friends again not like they all used to be anyway! which is kinda sad in a way

[Shine]

Lennon's interview with Jann Wenner was published as a book many, many years ago and John was very bitter at the time of the Rolling Stone interview. In 1980 John and Yoko gave a lengthy interview with Playboy, which was also published as a book, and in this interview John seemed more at peace with his Beatle past and Paul McCarteny. Heeven mentioning liking Paul's then current single "Coming Up".

[Brad]

That's what I think, too. Before John died, he and Paul were on somewhat civil terms. I think that even if they never made music again together, they may have been able to become friends again.

John and Paul did make music together again. It's not very good; in fact, I'd say it's dreadful. All parties involved were pretty coked out, and it shows.

It's on a bootleg called A Toot And A Snore in '74 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Toot_and_a_Snore_in_%2774).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ugKHRIeEhE

[TJL]

My roommate just got that issue of Rolling Stone today.
Looking forward to reading that article.

[catlover79]

John and Paul did make music together again. It's not very good; in fact, I'd say it's dreadful. All parties involved were pretty coked out, and it shows.

It's on a bootleg called A Toot And A Snore in '74 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Toot_and_a_Snore_in_%2774).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ugKHRIeEhE
Really? I never knew that. Thanks!

[catlover79]

Lennon's interview with Jann Wenner was published as a book many, many years ago and John was very bitter at the time of the Rolling Stone interview. In 1980 John and Yoko gave a lengthy interview with Playboy, which was also published as a book, and in this interview John seemed more at peace with his Beatle past and Paul McCarteny. Heeven mentioning liking Paul's then current single "Coming Up".
I remember reading that John liked "Coming Up". I like it, too - very catchy. :cool: