| Formed | 1960 in Liverpool, England |
| Genres | Rock • Skiffle • Beat • Pop • Psychedelic |
| Legacy | Highly influential on the development of 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular music as an art form |
| Members | John Lennon • Paul McCartney • George Harrison • Ringo Starr |
| Years active | 1960–1970 |
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, are regarded as the most influential band of all time. They were integral to the development of 1960s counterculture and popular music's recognition as an art form. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, their sound incorporated elements of classical, traditional pop, and psychedelic rock.
The Beatles originated in Liverpool in 1957 as a skiffle group called The Quarrymen, led by John Lennon. The original members were Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. After a few years of playing local venues and changing their name, the band settled on The Beatles in 1960. They were soon joined by drummer Ringo Starr.
The Beatles received their big break in 1962 when they were signed to Parlophone Records. Their first single, "Love Me Do," was a modest hit, followed by their breakthrough smash "Please Please Me" in early 1963. The band's popularity in the UK grew rapidly through that year, a phenomenon dubbed "Beatlemania."
By late 1963, The Beatles had become a global phenomenon, kicking off the "British Invasion" of rock music in the United States. Their 1964 debut album ''Please Please Me'', as well as hit singles like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You," topped the charts around the world. Their look, sound and cheeky persona made them cultural icons, inspiring trends in fashion, hairstyles, and youth culture.
Over the next two years, The Beatles released a rapid succession of hugely successful and increasingly sophisticated albums, among them ''A Hard Day's Night'', ''Beatles For Sale'', and ''Help!'' The band became known for their innovative songwriting, studio experimentation, and versatility across rock, pop, and more.
By 1966, The Beatles had grown tired of the relentless touring schedule and opted to stop performing live. This allowed them to become fully immersed in the recording studio, where they created some of their most acclaimed and groundbreaking work. Albums like ''Revolver'', ''Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'', and ''Magical Mystery Tour'' saw the band pushing the boundaries of rock music, incorporating elements of psychedelia, Indian classical music, and electronic music.
The band's music during this "psychedelic" period featured complex, poetic lyrics, innovative instrumentation and production, and a highly distinctive aesthetic across their albums. Songs like "Eleanor Rigby," "tomorrow Never Knows," and the title track from ''Sgt. Pepper's'' are considered high points of the band's creative output.
By the late 1960s, personal and creative tensions within the group had increased, and they began to fragment both musically and personally. Their final album, ''Let It Be'', released in 1970, captured the discord and unhappiness that had consumed the band. Shortly after, The Beatles officially announced their breakup.
Despite their relatively short tenure of just ten years, The Beatles are regarded as the most influential band in popular music history. Their body of work and innovations across songwriting, recording, and live performance irrevocably changed the landscape of rock and roll. The band's enduring popularity and acclaimed catalog of music have solidified their status as cultural icons.
