Catching The Bug: A Crash On The Beatles Rise To Success

It has been approximately 60 years since the legendary English band, The Beatles, dominated the international music stage. However, you would be hard-pressed to find a person who doesn’t know who they are even in today’s modern world. This doesn’t come as a shock because the band left quite a massive footprint not just in music but in fashion, film, and pop culture as well. But while the world knew them for the degree of success they’ve achieved, their journey to the top was just like any other artist — tough and punctuated by several challenges. But how exactly did John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison manage to climb the ladder of success despite their early circumstances? Keep reading to find out.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

The Beatle’s journey began in 1957 when 16-year-old John Lennon met 15-year-old Paul. Back then, the teenage Lennon was trying to form a band, and thus invited Paul to be a part of it as the rhythm guitarist. Later on, the band brought over George Harrison and original bass player Stuart Sutcliffe.

Not long after their band was formed, the boys found themselves doing a string of small concerts in their home city of Liverpool. And since they were able to earn some degree of popularity in the local music scene, it did not take long for music professionals to take notice.

In 1961, the band moved to Hamburg, Germany, after their then-manager Allan Williams arranged a residency for them in the area. However, it was also around this time that the band saw the departure of their original bass player, Stuart Sutcliffe. As a replacement, Paul McCartney assumed the role of being the band’s bass player. In 1962, Ringo Starr joined in after Pete Best left his post as the band’s original drummer.

THE RISE OF BEATLEMANIA

Back in England, the boys continued expanding their success by performing in several shows and small concerts, including shows at The Cavern Club. It was also in this very club where the band met their next manager, Brain Epstein. Under Epstein’s supervision, the band was able to score their very first record deal under EMI’s Parlophone record label. So, if you’re wondering who deserves credit for The Beatles’ initial success, it was Brian Epstein.

Finally, in 1963, the band earned their very first #1 single when their LP Please Please Me ended up on top of the UK charts. From there on out, The Beatles’ success went on to expand at an unprecedented rate.

Several European tours followed their success in the UK, and before anyone knew it, Beatlemania was spreading all over the United States as well. Then, in 1964, a career-defining TV show appearance occurred for the band when they guested on the Ed Sullivan Show. The performance proved to be a groundbreaking one as it was watched by approximately 73 million Americans across the nation.

With their success in the States increasing, The Beatles proceeded to go on several stadium tours across the country. They were also able to score five top spots in the Billboard Top 100, the highest ever in history. With that, a lot more investments were made to promote and expand the band’s music overseas.

THE LATTER YEARS

But as the years went on, the demands of the music industry became more and more taxing for the four members. Although they continued to dominate the airwaves, rumors about their separation began to linger. Speculations surfaced left and right, but the band continued to perform and produce music. In January of 1969, the boys performed as a band for the very last time at Apple Corps on Savile Row. Their most iconic album, Abbey Road, was released a year later. Then in 1970, the band’s career reached its epic conclusion when their last song, Let It Be, charted for the very last time.

Today, The Beatles remain the most successful rock band in the history of the music industry. And although a few acts came close, no band has so far beaten the records that The Beatles have set throughout their career. We now live in a very fast-paced world where fame is as fleeting as the wind. So if there’s any band out there looking to surpass The Beatles’ success, then we wish you a massive degree of luck!