BEATLES NARRATIVES and the LIES WE'VE BEEN TOLD | #047

Lennon even says at the end of the Wenner interview something like, "if you talk to me again in an hour I may say something completely different." He was quite open about it.

I really like your approach to Beatles historical events. No spin, no agenda, just facts 👍🏻

The only Beatles history that rings true is their music. I’ve always loved the Beatles, the greatest band of all time. John, Paul, George, and Ringo each contributed to the amazing song catalogue we all know and love. It’s pretty easy (and common) to see other bands change personnel from time to time, but there’s no way to begin to envision the Beatles without all members. Books can take liberties with the truth, but in the end it’s their music that marks them down in history as the greatest band of all time.

Lets not forget that we are talking about guys who were still in their twenties when broke up .

As a seventy- year- old musician who was impacted by the Beatles, I have not read any of the titles mentioned for a reason. It is their MUSIC which survives the test of time. Not writers taking liberties with twice told tales. I respect the massive task Mark Lewisohn has taken on to provide facts, not fallacies. Some dive deeply into memory pools, looking for treasure, when the songs speak to the hearts and souls of those standing on shore.

"Sounds like journalism today" Very well said! I don't know how I ended up on your channel but its great!

You made me feel so old. I can remember when the Beatles were an actual band and now it's getting analyzed by historians!!

McCartney has said more recently that because credits now get truncated online, younger generations find "Yesterday" apparently only credited to Lennon, as "McCartney" gets left off. That would be a reasonable premise, I think, to flip the credits on that song.

Generally speaking, by Lennon's own admission, he was a chameleon. He adapted to whomever he was with, saying sometimes he'd tell the truth, sometimes he'd lie, or sometimes he'd talk shit in the moment. Also of note was his penchant for being wholly reactionary, truth be damned if he could get a dig in. The only saving grace here, is he would be the first to admit when he did such a thing. Pick an interview, and you'll get a "I wasn't that close to Paul", or "he was my best friend". It's all in the moment, and as such, not very reliable. As random and unguarded as Lennon was, McCartney is generally shielded and as diplomatic as can be. Somewhere in the middle, lies the truth. Interesting video.

The fact that four guys from Liverpool have this many narratives recounting the minutia of only 10 years as a band, and subsequent breakup, is fascinating in and of itself.

They have achieved such a mythical status that people cease to believe these four guys from a small town created such a legendary catalog that still thrives and continues to influence 50 years later. The fact is they were real people who worked very very hard, had incredible talent and drive and like with the rest of us had faults, controversies and insecurities. In my mind that’s what makes them even more great. They were not Gods, they were ordinary people who make amazing achievements through hard work and perseverance.

Even reading ‘shout’ as a kid I couldn’t understand the bashing of McCartney and the saying Lennon done everything. It didn’t fit with the music I was listening to. Even then I could pretty much tell who wrote what and it didn’t seem that Lennon done everything. It always seemed to me McCartney was every bit a genius. ... nice video dude .

John during early 70s tried to hide the fact of McCartney's talent , so by 1980 John started admmiting how great Paul is because it was so obvious, John was just so insecure

I was around during the breakup years and was following the Beatles closely . We all were dismayed with Lennon’s discouraging accounts in those years especially any having to do with Rolling Stone magazine. You have to look no further than the Rock and Roll hall of fame to see how some ( Jan Wenner) are trying to manipulate musical history .

I'm a history major and when I first heard about that book I knew we were finally entering a truly academic and scientific study of The Beatles. It's a great read and I look forward to Lewisohn and Weber leading the way for proper analysis. I'm on the side of you doing more videos like this.

Forget "Stardom lifestyles" of the Beatles. They were human beings with faults, egos and failures. What's MORE important is the music they created in their early days. Their music was so simple and is STILL loved by millions today. Good music stands the test of time whilst the rest of the mediocre stuff just fades away. Thank you guys 👍

Great vid; very interesting. Lennon was never reliable, it seems to me. His views swung dramatically with his shifting moods.

Great to see Erin's book getting so positively showcased. Her contributions to the "Something About The Beatles" (SATB) podcasts are a true highlight of an already excellent show.

Back when the Book "Shout" was released, I was friends with and around some of the Beatles and their families. I mentioned at the time I had just read it to one of the Beatle wives, who rolled her eyes, shook her head and said "Don't believe everything you read in it!" She was not at all happy about the portrayals of them in that book.

Saw McCartney at Fenway Park maybe 7-8 years ago. Paul McCartney’s performance speaks for itself. His musical prowess was exceptional - I think he played 4 or 5 different instruments - Sensational Concert.