Why the Beatles Cannot Carry On After 1970 Without Original Members
The Beatles were the largest brand in music history. Each of the band members was an equal partner in its success, and even now, decades later, the remaining members continue to reap the financial benefits. Apple Corps, the entity that manages the Beatles' legacy, has been profiting millions annually from album sales, DVDs, and the Anthology project. Considering this, one might wonder why the band can't simply continue with new members or carry on under a new name.
The Uniqueness of the Beatles' Partnership
Unlike many other bands, such as The Rolling Stones and The Who, the Beatles were a collaborative entity. The partnership operated on a strict basis of equality and collaboration, with all decisions made by all four members involved, now including Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison with their late husbands' proxy votes. The partnership did not allow for the withdrawal of any member or the replacement of a missing one. Without John, Paul, George, or Ringo, there could never be a real Beatles band.
The End of the Beatles as a Band
The Beatles as a functioning band ceased to exist on April 10, 1970. Any band that formed after this date, without any original members, cannot be considered the Beatles. This solidified the status of the original members as the founders and keepers of this iconic musical legacy.
Paul McCartney's Desire for Continued Success
Of the original members, it is believed that Paul McCartney had the greatest desire for the Beatles to continue as a successful entity. Although he ultimately fell through on his plans to relaunch the band, McCartney's musical talent and competitive nature with his bandmates suggest that he enjoyed the collaborative and dynamic nature of the Beatles. McCartney seemed to thrive on the sparring and banter with his bandmates, and he appeared to have a deep affection for the band's legacy and collective success.
While John Lennon and George Harrison pursued personal interests and projects, and Ringo Starr focused on his own drumming career, the concept of the Beatles moving forward with new members or under a different name seemed to run counter to the very essence of the band's history and identity.
Conserving the Legacy
The Beatles' legacy is about more than just songs and music albums. It is about a shared history, a collective consciousness, and a cultural phenomenon. Any attempt to recreate the band or use the Beatles' name without its original members would be seen as a betrayal of that legacy. The original members are the key to maintaining the authenticity and the integrity of the band's legacy.