I don’t know if we each have a destiny, or if we’re all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it’s both. Forest Gump
It was hard to believe 50 years have gone by since we discovered the Beatles in 1964. I remember the first time I saw the Beatles it wasn’t on the Sullivan show but on the news. The English rock band formed in Liverpool, included Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison. Who were these guys with the unusual haircuts, wearing collarless suits, with black boots? They definitely had their own style. I was struck like everyone else with the invasion of Beatlemania.
Each Beatle had their own unique personality, which enabled the fans to pick their favorite. I love Ringo, no Paul is the cutest, etc. They were original; they were more than a brand. As they changed we changed, each album bringing something new and innovative. And yet we could hear the influence in their music from Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbinson.
I grew up with the Beatles; from receiving my first kiss to seeing my friends come home from the Vietnam War. We looked for secrets listening to their albums wondering if there were clues about Paul being dead including Abbey Road and St. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band. As their consciousness expanded from their trip to India to learn Transcendental Meditation ours expanded as well.
We believed they were inseparable, but like anything else all must come to an end. They all separated to create their own music; my favorite album was Paul McCartney’s Cherries Album, created during a period of depression from the separation of John Lennon and the Beatles, which soon separated them entirely in 1969.
So last night as I saw Ringo with Paul, their friends George and John in spirit, I wonder if they finally felt a peace, acceptance and forgiveness, as they celebrated in full circle their entertainment career; a career that had a life of its own.
What do you remember about the Beatles?
Wow, Janet…we must be around the same age. I have all the same memories as you. I did see them on the Ed Sullivan show for the 1st time and fell in love with their music and with them. My whole life was about the Beatles. I was very lucky that my parents took my 2 sisters and me to see them in August of 1966. One of the highlights of my youth. So many memories. Thanks for this post. I am enjoying watching the CBS show now which I taped yesterday.
Dora, yes we must be around the same age. I’m 62. Where did you see the Beatles with your sisters? I wanted to go so badly to see the Beatles at the Cow Palace in 1964, but didn’t have enough money. My friends went and said it was so loud they couldn’t hear them sing. Thanks for your reply 🙂
Yup, Janet…I am also 62.
My parents took us to see the Beatles at one of the stadiums in Philly. Your friends were right…It was very loud. But…we were in love and loved the concert and seeing them. My parents were brave in taking us 🙂