When most people think of The Beatles, they imagine four best friends having fun, making music together, and just enjoying life. But the truth is far more complicated. By the time the band reached its peak, tensions were high, and working together wasn’t always easy.
From Teenagers to Legends
The Beatles — John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr — started as a group of teenagers playing covers in Liverpool and Hamburg. They were full of energy and ambition, trying to make music and earn a few pounds. But as they became famous, their friendships started to face challenges.
George Harrison Felt Left Out
Paul McCartney often took control of the band’s music, especially after their manager, Brian Epstein, passed away. George Harrison, the lead guitarist, began to feel like he didn’t have enough say. On Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, he contributed only one song, “Within You Without You.” He had wanted more space to grow as a songwriter, but often felt sidelined.
Harrison’s wife, Patti Boyd, said he was “terribly unhappy” during this time. He felt pushed to the background, while Paul and John dominated the music and decisions.
Let It Be: Tensions at Their Peak
In 1969, the band worked on what became the Let It Be album and film. The sessions were stressful: they started at Twickenham Studios, where the atmosphere was cold and tense. George Harrison even quit the band for a short time, frustrated with Paul’s controlling style.
He returned only after certain changes were made: moving to a different studio, bringing in keyboardist Billy Preston, and asking Paul to ease up on his dominance. Even then, the atmosphere was strained, and it was clear the Beatles were drifting apart.
Why They Fought
There were several reasons for the conflicts:
Creative control: Paul’s strong vision made others feel left out.
No manager: After Epstein’s death, there was no one to guide them.
Different personal paths: George explored spirituality, John focused on life with Yoko Ono, and Paul kept driving the band forward.
Filming pressure: Being recorded for the Let It Be film added stress.
Even with these challenges, they managed to create music that fans still love today.
The Takeaway
The Beatles weren’t always best friends laughing together. They were four talented individuals with big personalities, sometimes clashing, sometimes collaborating. Their tensions didn’t stop them from making great music — in fact, some of their best work came from these conflicts.
So, when you listen to Let It Be or watch the sessions, remember: you’re seeing real people, not just a happy band. And that makes their story — and their music — even more interesting.