The Beatles are, without a doubt, the most influential band in rock history. Their music, style, and cultural impact have left an indelible mark on the world, shaping the course of popular music and beyond. But even if you think you know everything there is to know about John, Paul, George, and Ringo, there are still plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering their magic, get ready to dive into some of the most fascinating and lesser—known chapters of The Beatles’ incredible journey.
The Breakup
The Beatles’ breakup in 1970 was one of the most heartbreaking moments in rock history, but few people know that the Fab Four nearly reunited just a few years later. In 1979, George Harrison married Olivia Trinidad Arias, and Eric Clapton, a close friend of George’s, married Pattie Boyd (George’s ex-wife) in 1979. During Clapton’s wedding reception, which was filled with rock royalty, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were in attendance, and John Lennon, who was living in the U.S. at the time, was invited but didn’t attend. There was talk of an impromptu performance, but it never materialized. The idea of the Beatles playing together again was tantalizingly close, yet it slipped away.
John Lennon’s Spiritual Journey
John Lennon was on a lifelong spiritual journey, but it’s less known that Lennon once considered becoming a monk. During the Beatles’ retreat to Rishikesh in 1968, Lennon was deeply influenced by the Maharishi’s teachings. He seriously entertained the idea of renouncing worldly possessions and joining a monastery. Lennon’s intense search for meaning led him to explore various forms of spirituality. While he ultimately didn’t take the monastic path, this period marked a significant turning point in his life and music. The experience inspired songs like “Across the Universe” and “Dear Prudence,” reflecting his desire to connect with something greater than himself.
Paul McCartney’s Japanese Scandal
In 1980, Paul McCartney faced an unexpected and very public scandal when he was arrested at Tokyo’s Narita Airport for possession of marijuana. The arrest shocked fans and the Japanese authorities alike, as McCartney, known for his clean-cut image, was caught with 7.7 ounces of cannabis in his luggage. The incident resulted in McCartney spending nine days in a Japanese jail, an experience that was both humiliating and terrifying for the ex-Beatle. McCartney later reflected on the arrest with humor, but at the time, it threatened to derail his tour of Japan and could have led to a much longer incarceration.
The Lord of the Rings
In the mid-1960s, The Beatles were approached by film producer Denis O’Dell with a proposal that sounds almost too wild to be true: starring in a film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The idea was to have John Lennon play Gollum, Paul McCartney as Frodo, George Harrison as Gandalf, and Ringo Starr as Sam. The band was enthusiastic about the project and suggested that Stanley Kubrick should direct the film. However, Tolkien was reportedly not keen on the idea of his beloved characters being portrayed by a rock band, and the project never came to fruition.
George Harrison and Eric Clapton
George Harrison and Eric Clapton were best friends and rivals in love. The two iconic musicians were involved in one of rock’s most famous love triangles, centered around Pattie Boyd, a model and photographer. Boyd married Harrison when Clapton fell in love with her, famously writing the song “Layla” about his unrequited feelings. Eventually, Boyd and Harrison divorced, and she married Clapton in 1979. Despite the romantic drama, Harrison and Clapton remained close, with Harrison even attending their wedding. It’s honestly hard to believe these two guys made it work, but good for them.