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End of World War II in Europe
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Post–World War II economic expansion
Lasted till the 1970's but had greatest impact till around 1952. -
The Quarrymen form...
John Lennon's first group, it gained Paul McCartney in July and George Harrison in February. -
The Beatles move to Hamburg
They had already toured Scotland, and after several name changes settled on The Beatles. -
Brian Epstein becomes manager
He introduced the clean cut look now associated with the early Beatles. -
George Martin signs the group to EMI
After being rejected by Decca records... -
'Love Me Do' the first single is released
The song is a hit and peaks at number 17 in the UK chart. -
'Please Please Me' the second single is released
This reached number 2 on the UK charts... -
Beatlemania begins
The band toured the UK three times in the first half of the year: a four-week tour that began in February preceded three-week tours in March and May–June. As their popularity spread, a frenzied adulation of the group took hold, dubbed "Beatlemania". The bands cheeky attitude that was unusual in comparison to pop idols at the time only garnered more press interest. -
Debut album 'Please Please Me' is released
This album features a mix of covers and original material. It was recorded live, this adds to it's "edge" according to producer George Martin. The original were, in later years, confessed to be highly derivative: "a la Everly Brothers, a la Buddy Holly" according to Lennon.
It went to number one on the UK chart. -
'From Me to You' the third single is released
It went to number one and was the first of an almost unbroken seventeen song run at the top. -
'She Loves You' the fourth single is released.
Achieved the fastest sales of any record in the UK up to that time, selling three-quarters of a million copies in under four weeks. It became their first single to sell a million copies, and remained the biggest-selling record in the UK until 1978 -
With The Beatles is released
It held the top spot for twenty-one weeks. Making much greater use of studio production techniques than its "live" predecessor, the album was recorded between July and October. -
The Beatles perform at the Paris Olympia
This was part of a three week residency. These were there last concerts inEurope before there American Tour. -
The Beatles arrive in America
When their plane landed at J.F.K, the Beatles were greeted by 3,000 screaming fans. The American tour that followed is considered the start of Beatlemania. -
The Beatles play on Ed Sullivan
Beatles debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in New York; 50,000 apply for 728 available seats. An estimated 73 million viewers watch that night. -
The Beatles begin their concerts in the USA
The Beatles were the first British band to conquer the United States. They performed to over 150 million (including TV performances) people. The were in America for only 2 weeks. -
Return to UK
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A Hard Day's Night- The Movie
The Beatles were the first musicians to make movies expressly to promote their albums and singles. Beatles begin work on their first movie, "A Hard Day's Night". According to Walter Shenson, producer of the film, the Beatles story line in the movie would portray them as "prisoners of their success." The film skyrocketed the group's popularity and the Director, Richard Lester has been acknowledged by MTV as the father of Music Videos for his continued work with the group. -
August-September North American Tour
A repeat of their former successes. -
Ringo Starr Marries
Ringo Starr marries Maureen. Brian Epstein worries about negative female reaction as Ringo gives up his eligible bachelor status. George Harrison went on to say: "I don't think the Beatles' image could stand another marriage." The Beatles were by this time an object of desire for many teenage girls. A part of their image that manager Epstein was very keen to promote. -
HELP! album is released
A continuation of The Beatles style of music, however this album pushes the guitars and drums further up in the mix to compete with the voice. This is now a common part of rock production. Also, with the album being predominantly original material, The Beatles pushed other bands into writing more original material instead of covers of rock 'n' roll or blues standards. -
The Beatles play Shea Stadium
With 56,000 fans in attendance, it was the largest rock concert to date. It is also the first time a sports stadium was used to house a music concert. Neither the band nor the fans could actually hear the music. In footage Policemen at the venue can be seen blocking their ears, the roars of the crowd are so loud. -
HELP! film is released
This film was much less of a mockumentary style than the previous venture by the band. The fantastical nature of the film and also it's Indian influence signposted a slightly new direction for the group. Also, the film clip style premiered in the film that used cuts in time with the music was another revolution in the area. -
Beatles recieve MBE medals
MBE medals were usually reserved for politicians or civil servants, former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson said in 1982, "I saw the Beatles, as having a transforming effect on the minds of youth, mostly for the good. It kept a lot of kids off the streets. They introduced many many young people to music, which in itself was a good thing.... That's why they deserved such recognition." Some former recipients returned their medals, because it "put him on the same level with vulgar nincompoops." -
Rubber Soul is released
A new direction for the band, this album was much more experimental. Even the cover is a departure from the bands previous image, featuring a warped photo and a bubbly 'psychadelic' font. This album was the first commercial album to feature a sitar (an indian guitar -like instrument featuring drone and melody strings). The combination of more acoustic, folky songs and the swirling aspect of more horizontal and layered melodic structures makes the album a stark contrast from their previous work. -
"Bigger than Jesus"
"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first - rock 'n' roll or Christianity. Jesus was alright but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It's them twisting it that ruins it for me." John Lennon to an interviewer inquiring on his religious beliefs. This caused a whiplash response in the USA and only last year did the Catholic Church forgive Lennon. -
Paperback Writer/Rain single released
This was the first ever single to feature it's own stand alone video clips. It is also the first time backwards recording was used (the outro of Rain). The Beatles use of varispeeding (using the tape speed to change pitch) also begins at this point. -
Revolver is released
The most experimental work to date, The album was far more introspective lyrically and much more on the edge in as far as production and engineering. It is considered one of the greatest recording feats in history. According to music critic Richie Unterberger of Allmusic: "In many respects, Revolver is one of the very first psychedelic LPs, not only in its numerous shifts in mood and production texture, but in its innovative manipulation of amplification and electronics to produce new sounds..." -
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band released
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (often shortened as Sgt. Pepper's) is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, and has since been recognised as one of the most important albums in the history of popular music. Recorded over a 129-day period beginning in December 1966, Sgt. Pepper's saw the band developing the production techniques of their previous album, Revolver. Martin's innovative and lavish production included the orchestra usage and hired musicians ordered by the band. -
John Lennon murdered
John Lennon (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals), was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman in New York. He was shot four times in the back. His wife Yoko Ono called for 10 minutes silence. The Beatles music soared back into the charts. Two diehard Beatles fans committed suicide.