Who were The

Beatles?
The Beatles, or the Fab Four, were one of the most famous bands in
the history of pop music.
The line-up:
John Lennon (vocalist): born 9 October 1940, died 8 December
1980
Paul McCartney (vocalist and guitarist): born 18 June 1942
George Harrison (vocalist and guitarist): born 25 February
1943, died 29 November 2001
Ringo Starr (drummer): born 7 July 1940

Where were they from?

They were all from Liverpool originally. George Harrison and Paul McCartney took
the same bus to school, and found out they had music and guitars in common.
In 1956, Paul introduced George to a band called the Quarrymen which John Lennon
sang in. George was only 14 at the time and not old enough to join the group. But a
few times he filled in for the regular guitarist and gradually became a member of
the band.
The Quarrymen became The Beatles, performing regularly at the Cavern Club in
Liverpool, and within another four years the foursome became worldwide
superstars.

hat was so special about them?

Some people think they changed the sound of pop music, because they were the
first British band to write their own songs and music.
Before them, most bands and singers had songs written for them.
They are also said to have been the first real "boy-band" pin-ups. Hysterical fans
followed them everywhere they performed and Beatle-mania ruled all over the
world.

Would I know any of their songs?

The Beatles recorded 214 songs from 1962 to 1970.
Their first UK single was Love Me Do/P.S. I Love You, released on 5 October 1962.
They are also the only group in recording history to have 20 songs reach number
one.
Other famous songs include:

A Hard Day's Night

Help!
Yesterday
Hey Jude
A Little
Help From My Friends
Paperback Writer
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

But you'll hear them in music from 1990s stars like Oasis, who see The Beatles as a
big influence on their sound. Liam Gallagher even named his first son Lennon.

What else did they do?

Well, apart from being one of the most popular musicians in the world, they also
made five films.
A Hard Day's Night, about the hysteria of Beatlemania
Help!, in which Ringo inherits a magic ring which an evil group wants to
steal
Magical Mystery Tour, in which The Beatles and other actors travel the
countryside on a bus
Yellow Submarine, an animated fantasy set in Pepperland which the
Beatles have to protect from the Blue Meanies who want to take it over
Let It Be, documentary of the Beatles rehearsing and playing live.

When did they split up?

They split when Paul McCartney said he was leaving the band in
April 1970 and on 31 December 1970, the band officially split.
But it was not the end of The Beatles. Each of them went on to have
very successful solo careers with Paul McCartney, now Sir Paul, still
recording and performing.
Sadly, on 8 December 1980, John Lennon was going back to his flat
in New York when he was shot dead by a fan who wanted him to
autograph a record.
In 1999 George Harrison survived a stabbing after an intruder broke
into his house. But on 29 November 2001, he died after a long
battle with cancer.
But The Beatles' reputation as the most popular original boy band in
the world will always be remembered.