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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
The Beatles and their disruptive trip to India: The ‘Transcendental Meditation' that changed the Abbey Road musicians forever
By any standard, The Beatles will remain one of the biggest, most prolific, controversial, and iconic bands of all time. Remember the pretentious guy from 10th grade who always carried around a small leather diary with him, the old widower uncle on your block growing up, or the inspiring English professor from your American Literature class in college who made you feel like opening up a dead poet's society of your own. They all listened to the Beatles because the band, like a few other phenomena in the world, wasn't just famous or sought after because of their product; it was because of what they represented and how they made you feel when you associated with their identity, for better or for worse. For example, the Cali Cartel exported and controlled just as much cocaine in their heyday, if not more, as the Medellin Cartel did. But you ask a layman who Rodriguez Orejuela was. It's likely they won't be able to give you the right answer. But ask them about Pablo Escobar, and they will recite for you their favourite dialogues from the Narcos series on Netflix (by the way, they made a season about the Cali guys too; no one cared). Yes, a drug lord who killed thousands of people during his reign is somewhat of an unsuitable person to be compared with the Abbey Road quartet, but Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and John Lennon, together, had a drug-like hold on their listeners. A drug that would make them keep coming back, a drug that made you cool just by association, and let's be honest, The Beatles weren't pumping out album after album, surviving on Earl Grey tea and English muffins. The boys got together in 1962, after the trio of McCartney, Harrison and Lennon finally found the right drummer in Starr. Soon after their first hit, 'Love Me Do', manager Brian Epstein played all the right moves, and through his grooming and moulding process, out came the biggest rock group in the world. They would go on to make 12 studio albums in the short span of 8 years, due to the power of Earl Grey tea and Scouse, of course. ALSO READ: 'P Diddy would rather die than let go of rights to Biggie Smalls' music': How Diddy was at the epicentre of both Tupac and Biggie's death The amount of music they were putting out was almost too much, and say what you will, the guys knew their stuff. Apart from being amazing musicians, Lennon and McCartney were incredible writers, artists who were more susceptible to inspiration and ideas for a bridge than Joseph B. Strauss (he wasn't a musician, just the guy who built the Golden Gate Bridge). Harrison and Starr were expert executioners of their writers' vision, and together they worked hard day and night to earn their place in the Mount Rushmore of music, if not at the peak of Everest. But that kind of schedule, along with the 'calm and sober' lifestyle of a rock star, can be taxing on the body, and soon the street outside Abbey Road Studios became too long a course to chart, and they were exhausted. It was getting difficult keeping up appearances while trying to manage your career, wives, extramarital affairs and dentists serving you coffee laced with LSD, which, considering the 60s, was probably part of the dental plan for musicians. The Beatles needed a break, and Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd, the woman who was described as the modern-day Helen of Troy by LA magazine, suggested 'Transcendental Meditation' to the group. This was a revelation, and without any delay, the Beatles travelled to Rishikesh to meet the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Liverpool to Rishikesh The Beatles had previously met the Maharishi during a lecture in London and a 10-day workshop in Wales (with Mick Jagger by the way), a trip they had to cut short because Epstein suddenly passed away. They were then invited to join him at his main ashram, where the Beatles would end up writing close to 50 songs, with many of them ending up on their next project, 'The White Album'. Even though the Beatles had sold millions of records all over the world and had probably witnessed every comfort known to man, they were taken aback when they reached the Ashram. 14 acres of land consisting of six long bungalows, each containing five or six double rooms, and the rooms were equipped with four-poster beds and an electric fire system. Along with all that, there was a post office, a lecture theatre and a swimming pool. All four of them were now determined to make the most of this trip, and Harrison and Lennon were the most affected by the teachings. After the band met the Maharishi in Wales, they had decided to give up drugs, just like Jimi Hendrix switched to the tambourine after playing the 'Star-Spangled Banner'. Even after this supposed break from drugs, Lennon admitted that he was hallucinating during his time at the Ashram, and his claims were backed by his wife, Cynthia Lennon, who said in Bob Spitz's book The Beatles that Harrison and Lennon had completely accepted the teachings of the Maharishi. However, Starr and McCartney weren't having that much of a jolly time and left soon after a couple of weeks. The band tripped for days, just on meditation apparently, and wrote an entire album while denying a Lord of The Rings movie (story for another time). But as half of the group departed, the other two maybe went too deep. ALSO READ: Frank Sinatra 'facilitated' John F Kennedy's other life, but couldn't outrun his mafia connections: The rise and ruin of their unlikely friendship Boyd, who introduced Harrison to the entire scheme, admitted later on that the teachings had gotten a hold of him, and so had alcohol and drugs. Lennon who was apparently already thinking about bringing his then muse Yoko Ono on the trip along with his wife, asked for separate rooms for him and his wife after just a few days in Rishikesh. Their relationship would never get back to normal, ultimately leading to a divorce. Through the Ashram and his muse, Lennon had shed the skin of the young and innocent Scouser, and the man that emerged wanted to change the world, and his own life with it. He had already been drifting towards politics and activism before Rishikesh, many fans and members of the band accused his relationship with Ono to be one of the reason, they broke up. Lennon admitted later on that the moment he saw Ono was the moment he knew his days with the old gang were over. Soon Lennon and Harrison also left upon discovering the Maharishi's involvement in sexual assault cases, even though it was never proved. But even though the boys were all back in good old England, the distance had already been created. During this very week in 1968, the Beatles started recording 'The White Album' at the Abbey Road Studios, and to the average Joe, it was just another great project. Songs filled to the brim with mystique of the East, songs that brought out a different side of the Beatles, a broken side of the Beatles. The strum of the guitar still blended perfectly with the thrum of the drums, the tempo still intact, and the different voices and harmonies still so seamlessly brought together that they sounded one. But the trip, like perceived by many, wasn't a breather; it was a moment of realisation for all four men that they didn't need to be the greatest band in the world anymore. It was enough, all that they had done, and if the sun had set on the Beatles on the day they released the White Album, it would be alright. They did end up working on another album, but personal turmoils, failing relationships and four broken minds were enough to stop this madness. Seeds of discontent had been sown long before the trip and maybe whatever they experienced in India, just exacerbated the whole situation. All four of the Beatles left their wives following that trip, with McCartney's marriage lasting the longest. The group went their separate ways, and the band was legally disbanded in 1974. Even though they were gone in such a short time, everyone listened to the Beatles. They were probably the first band to be famous enough to be recognised by all, even if many never listened to a single thing they put out. It wasn't about what they sang; it was always about who they were and what they represented, and maybe the pretentious guy from your school whom we talked about earlier isn't all too bad, because no matter who they were and what they did, the Beatles were cool; it's that simple.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why Liverpool is a great story of football romance
English football champions again, the club nearly defines the host city, which takes pride in its working-class ethos. The club 'never walks alone' in a city that birthed the Beatles Take a stroll from Cavern district to Liverpool docks, the cold breeze blowing from the Mersey River directs your attention to Pier Head and the four ebony statues of the city's favourite sons. John, Paul, George & Ringo, hands in pockets, appear to be casually discussing their newest tune. Time travel to the early 60s. Three miles away, at the Anfield of the black-and-white era, heads bobbed to the lilting rhythm of 'Love Me Do'. Read the full story on TOI+. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Irish Daily Star
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Mick Jagger had brutal reaction when he saw The Beatles perform live for first time
The Beatles and The Rolling Stones , two titans of the 1960s music scene, have often been celebrated as the era's most influential bands. Yet, despite their intertwined legacies, mutual respect didn't always mean full admiration for each other's talents. Mick Jagger, the charismatic leader of The Rolling Stones , acknowledged The Beatles' monumental impact on music but was less impressed with their prowess as a live act. In his 1995 sit-down with Rolling Stone magazine, Jagger questioned The Beatles' status as the ultimate band, remarking: "They certainly were not a great live band. Maybe they were in the days of The Cavern, when they were coming up as a club band." Read More Related Articles Craig Melvin forced to issue on-air 'formal apology' after Today Show absence Read More Related Articles Jenna Hager Bush sparks concern for her health with worrying detail in new video Jagger conceded that The Beatles must have been quite the entertainers early on, saying, "I'm sure they were hilariously funny and all that", and noting, "And they did have this really good onstage persona. But as far as the modern-day world, they were not a great performing band." Mick Jagger wasn't impressed Nevertheless, Jagger couldn't deny the seismic effect The Beatles had on the realm of music and broader culture. Pondering their legendary reputation, he mused, "Do they deserve the fantastic reputation?" before answering himself, "They were The Beatles. They were this forerunning, breakthrough item, and that's hard to overestimate.", reports the Express . He reflected on how The Beatles paved the way for subsequent British bands, including his own, altering the musical landscape forever. Jagger even touched upon The Beatles' first single 'Love Me Do', released in 1962, pointing out its bluesy vibe that uncomfortably mirrored what The Stones were all about. Reflecting on the past in a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame speech, he said, "It upset me a bit," explaining the group's expectations as an R&B band. John Lennon with Mick Jagger Despite this, Jagger recognized Lennon and McCartney's role in bolstering The Rolling Stones' early days, noting how The Beatles gave them one of their initial chart-toppers with 'I Wanna Be Your Man'. During the 1988 Beatle's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jagger reminisced about the British pop music scene before The Beatles, describing it as "embarrassing" and praising The Beatles: "They wrote great songs, and they changed everything. They were the first to do so many things that people now take for granted." Yet, Jagger revealed his deepest emotions when discussing John Lennon, expressing sorrow over his death: "I just felt very sad for the loss of someone that I loved very much".
USA Today
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Biggest Beatles revelations in 'John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs'
Biggest Beatles revelations in 'John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs' Show Caption Hide Caption Ringo Starr reveals his thoughts on The Beatles' 'Now and Then' Ringo Starr chats with USA TODAY's Melissa Ruggieri about his "brothers" in The Beatles and the band's final song "Now and Then." John Lennon and Paul McCartney were each other's favorite audience. That was plainly clear as the besotted Beatles bantered, bickered and obsessed over the 23 years they were friends and rivals. Ian Leslie's new biography 'John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs' (Celadon, 436 pp., out now) unpacks their intense and complicated relationship from their first meeting in 1957 to Lennon's murder in 1980. Along the way, there's psychoanalysis (Leslie specializes in writing about human psychology, communication and creativity) and the occasional hair-curling discovery. Nothing here is entirely new: Leslie relies on previously published interviews and conducted just one himself for the book, with 'Let It Be' director Michael Lindsay-Hogg. But Leslie does an extraordinary job of providing context for familiar anecdotes, and there are many that will feel surprising. Among the biggest revelations: Four Beatles movies out in 2028: See who's cast to play music legends Paul McCartney planned to pursue a solo career if The Beatles never hit it big. When the Fab Four signed their contract with manager Brian Epstein in 1961, Paul requested a clause allowing Epstein to split up the artists 'so that they shall perform as separate individual performers.' Epstein's assistant, Alistair Taylor, recalled Paul saying he would go solo if things didn't work out with the band. John and Paul wrote songs together for years, but kept that a secret until Brian Epstein became their manager. The two friends started collaborating on songs almost as soon as they met, scribbling lyrics and chords in a notebook with every entry emblazoned: 'ANOTHER LENNON-McCARTNEY ORIGINAL.' But their efforts remained private until they revealed they were songwriters at their second meeting with Epstein, who responded with enthusiasm. So they introduced a few of their own compositions onstage at the Cavern Club to test the waters. George Harrison contributed to many Lennon-McCartney compositions, but they decided to shut him out when legalizing their partnership. As the Beatles prepared to release their first single, with the original songs 'Love Me Do' and 'P.S. I Love You,' Epstein drew up a publishing agreement formalizing the Lennon-McCartney partnership. 'It was an option to include George in the songwriting team,' McCartney is quoted as saying. But Paul asked John, ' 'Should three of us write or would it be better to keep it simple?' We decided we'd just keep to the two of us.' 'It's not clear that George and Ringo were even told about this second contract,' Leslie writes. But 'George certainly noticed its effect.' Paul McCartney suggested the title of John Lennon's first book. Their collaborations weren't limited to songs. When Lennon published 1964's 'In His Own Write,' a nonsensical collection of short stories, poems and drawings, the book's clever name was proposed by McCartney. 'Yesterday,' one of Paul McCartney's most beloved songs, was shrugged off as album filler in England. Beatles producer George Martin broached releasing 'Yesterday' as a McCartney solo record, a recommendation shot down by Epstein. The song wasn't completed in time to appear in 'Help!' so it was simply stuck on the movie's soundtrack. Then fate stepped in: Capitol Records decided to make the song the band's new single in America, where it sold a million copies the first week. John felt rejected by Paul after India, and Yoko Ono speculated the reason might have been sexual. After The Beatles' botched trip to India to seek enlightenment with the Maharishi in 1968, John returned home with the realization he was in love with artist Yoko Ono but also visibly angry with Paul. Lennon himself never spoke of a falling-out point in their relationship at that time, but Ono sensed he felt wounded. Years later, in an interview with biographer Philip Norman, she controversially theorized that John might have been rejected sexually by Paul. 'John said that no one ever hurt him the way Paul hurt him,' Ono told Norman. 'There was something going on here, from his point of view, not from Paul's … I couldn't help wondering what it was really about.' In 2015, Ono said John found men attractive, but 'they would have to be not just physically attractive, but mentally very advanced, too. And you can't find people like that.' John Lennon wondered if 'Imagine' was as good as 'Yesterday.' After writing the song in 1971 on his grand piano at Tittenhurst Park, his home with Ono, Lennon played 'Imagine' for DJ Howard Smith and asked what he thought. When Smith confirmed it was 'beautiful,' John pressed, 'But is it as good as 'Yesterday'?' John and Paul's friendship ran hot and cold until the end. They always found their way back to each other, but the missed opportunities are sickening: In 1977, a year after they'd last seen each other in person, Paul called John from a hotel not far from Lennon's home at the Dakota to see if they could get together. 'What for?' John replied with annoyance, and the conversation ultimately ended with McCartney abruptly hanging up on him. Denny Laine, who was in the studio working with a devastated Paul the morning after Lennon's death in 1980, remembered him vowing: 'I'm never going to fall out with anybody again in my life.'
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inside John Lennon and Paul McCartney's partnership and the song that shifted the 'balance of power'
For the record:12:27 p.m. April 6, 2025: An earlier version of this article misstated the year Paul McCartney wrote 'Yesterday' and the year Lorne Michaels offered the Beatles $3,000 to appear on 'Saturday Night Live.' It's the greatest story often told. The Beatles are not just the most successful musical act of all time; they are perhaps the most analyzed, deconstructed and dissected entertainers since the dawn of recorded music. We think we know everything, but author Ian Leslie proves otherwise. His new book, 'John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs,' is, astonishingly, one of the few to offer a detailed narrative of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's partnership. And it's a revelation. Leslie gives a complete portrait of this remarkably fecund and frequently tortured creative partnership, which began in Liverpool in 1957 and ended in New York City on Dec. 8, 1980, with Lennon's murder. The basic facts of their first encounter are well known. They met in the summer of 1957 at a garden party in the Liverpool suburb of Woolton, where 17-year-old Lennon was performing with his skiffle band the Quarrymen. McCartney was there to scout Lennon, who was already establishing a reputation as a riveting stage performer. McCartney, 15, ginned up the courage to approach Lennon after his set; their bond was forged over a mutual passion for Little Richard and Elvis Presley's 'Heartbreak Hotel.' They took to songwriting with alacrity, driven by an urge to create their own material at a time when there was no precedent for a band to write its own songs. 'It entailed the two of them educating each other in the art of songwriting and doing so from scratch,' Leslie writes. 'And there was no division of labor.' One of their first joint compositions was 'Love Me Do,' which was written in 1958, four years before the Beatles recorded it. All of their songs, whether fully realized or half-baked, were dutifully logged by McCartney into an exercise book he had swiped from school. The early songs that fans know by rote — 'She Loves You' and 'I Want to Hold Your Hand,' among others — came fast, in a mad swirl of ideas tied to a steady work ethic. Lennon and McCartney were so bound together that Leslie writes of a 'double consciousness' whereby the pair alternated vocals on the same song, as in 'A Hard Day's Night,' or twined them together into a first-person confessional like 'If I Fell.' This equipoise held for four very productive years, but there comes a moment in all love stories when one partner gets fidgety and starts to pull away. According to Leslie, that moment came in 1965, when McCartney wrote 'Yesterday' with no input from Lennon. ' 'Yesterday' feels like a shift in the balance of power,' says Leslie. 'From the beginning they were equals, and 'Yesterday' wasn't only just a hit, but the song that more artists covered than any other Beatles song. Paul even sang it onstage by himself when they performed. And it triggered John's insecurities.' Read more: Sony reveals Beatles cast, will release all four films in April 2028 A further separation occurred in 1967 when Lennon, along with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, moved out of London into the suburbs while McCartney stayed behind, soaking in the beau monde of the city's arts scene. Leslie also writes of Lennon's use of LSD and McCartney's reluctance to follow suit. 'They weren't living near each other anymore and songwriting became more like a job with set hours,' says Leslie. But 'even as they were starting to drift apart, the songs were still astonishing.' One-upmanship between the partners became a spur for Lennon to try harder, with McCartney responding in kind. When Lennon presented McCartney with 'Strawberry Fields Forever,' a woozy reverie loosely based on his childhood, McCartney wrote his own memory piece, 'Penny Lane.' Lennon wrote 'Imagine' a year after the Beatles broke up and thought he may have finally topped McCartney. 'When he played it for people to get feedback, the question he asked was, 'Is it better than 'Yesterday?,' ' says Leslie. Yet even as they were rewriting the rules of pop music, the dynamic between the two began to fray, especially after the death of their manager Brian Epstein. When their revenue stream was threatened by Epstein's brother, who wanted to sell 25% of the band's future earnings to a group of merchant bankers, it sparked a multipronged legal battle in which McCartney chose his brother-in-law John L. Eastman to represent him in court proceedings, while the other three cast their lot with the brash Allen Klein. It was the beginning of the end, as has been well documented. But it wasn't quite over. According to Leslie, there were numerous social occasions when Lennon and McCartney enjoyed each other's company after the Beatles broke up. Leslie writes that it was McCartney who helped broker a rapprochement between Lennon and his estranged wife, Yoko Ono, in 1974 during Lennon's 'Lost Weekend' period in Los Angeles, visiting Lennon at his Santa Monica beach house to deliver the news that Ono wanted to get back together. There was also a strange moment in 1976, when Lorne Michaels offered the Beatles $3,000 to reunite on 'Saturday Night Live.' McCartney happened to be visiting Lennon in New York at the time and they briefly considered shocking the world by hightailing it down to Rockefeller Center, but the idea was abandoned. 'Despite their differences, there was always this feeling with John that perhaps one day they might get together again,' says Leslie. 'John had the greatest admiration for Paul's musicianship and songwriting, and there was always this mutual respect, even when they were fighting in court. There was this unspoken dialogue between them, long after they stopped writing together.' Get the latest book news, events and more in your inbox every Saturday. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
