Expert: Chalk - 6/24/2004

Question
Hi, I'm doing some research on the pop-cultural impact of the Beatles, mainly focusing on their appeal to so many generations. I was hoping you wouldn't mind giving me some educated opinions on my questions. All questions (example: why were they so successful? Is based on a social context, not a strictly musical context) Thanks so much in advance, your help is appreciated. Answers will be used in a HSC society and culture research project, namely the Personal Interest Project. All names will be kept confidential and answers will be displayed as educated opinions only.

1. What was it about the Beatles, in your opinion, that made them so influential?

2. Would you agree that ‘Beatle mania' was one of the most incredible social phenomenons in history?

3. Do you think that a lot of the Beatles incredible success was because they were in-tune with what was happening in society, or do you think that the same music would be equally as successful in our modern era?

4. Why do you think was the reason Beatles appealed to so many people in their prime-popularity?

5. Why do you think that the Beatles music has appealed to so many generations?

6. Why do you think the Beatles music appeals to so many age groups? (That is, from small children to elderly adults?)

7. What was it about the Beatles music that attracted you're interest?

8. Do you think that another band could make it as big in the future, and what are your reasons for thinking this?

9. Do you think the Beatles had an influence on factors like fashion, drug use and haircuts?

10. Anything else you would like to add?  

Answer
Hello, Ana,

When we answer questions, we can click on a button that says "This question is too long and involved for me to help with", but I didn't do that because of the clear and polite way the whole of your question is put.

However, I do need time with this. Is it urgent, or can you bear with me for a bit?

Chalk.

P.S. I'm adding a few lines here...

Frankly, I could go on forever with all the things you've asked, but here are some brief answers for you:-

1. What was it about the Beatles, in your opinion, that made them so influential? Chalk: They were different from anything we'd heard or seen before - they changed the 'sound of pop music' and, above all, revived *true* Rock 'n' Roll, which had been softened into rather sickly-sweet songs & which was slowly dying in 1960-62.

2. Would you agree that ‘Beatle mania' was one of the most incredible social phenomenons in history? Chalk: In history? No. In 20th.Century popular culture, most certainly.

3. Do you think that a lot of the Beatles incredible success was because they were in-tune with what was happening in society, or do you think that the same music would be equally as successful in our modern era? Chalk: Their music began uniquely in the Liverpool/Manchester area, a combination of pop and the soul music which came into the great port of Liverpool by people returning from the USA with discs by Marvin Gaye & others. Other groups were doing the same thing. What set the Fab Four apart was the fact that they wrote excellent songs too. Successful in our modern era? Maybe, but, if they started today, don't forget that they would be influenced by today's music, so it would be different.

4. Why do you think was the reason Beatles appealed to so many people in their prime-popularity? Chalk: Because they were so different and appealed directly to the young, who love to have a rebellious cause. And we *loved* the music. This happened with Elvis too (& others). Elvis was also so very different and appealed directly to the young, even more so because the older generation were outraged by what he did. I clearly remember outcries at the Beatles' 'long' hair! (Take a look at those 1962/3 pix now!!).

5. Why do you think that the Beatles music has appealed to so many generations? Chalk: Oh, doubtless because their music is timeless and, thanks to the brilliant production of Sir George Martin, extremely well-recorded.

6. Why do you think the Beatles music appeals to so many age groups? (That is, from small children to elderly adults?) Chalk: Great, singable melodies & darn good lyrics (& arrangements).

7. What was it about the Beatles music that attracted you're interest? Chalk: Well, I was just 20 when "Love Me Do" was released, so all I've said above applies to me, and particularly so as I am a musician too.

8. Do you think that another band could make it as big in the future, and what are your reasons for thinking this? Chalk: No, I don't. It would have already happened. You can't duplicate uniqueness.

9. Do you think the Beatles had an influence on factors like fashion, drug use and haircuts? Chalk: Certainly on fashion and haircuts. As for drug use, only in the context of the steadily-growing use of hash at that time & only in the context of the worldwide hippy/drug movement of the late 1960s. I speak for myself here, but for us fans & followers, drug use was of no interest.

10. Anything else you would like to add? Chalk: Yes, I hope the above helps you, and I also ask you to read other answers of mine at http://experts.about.com/q/386/2662805.htm & http://experts.about.com/q/386/3376981.htm (among others).

Regards,

Chalk.